Unveiling Burnout: A Distinctive Perspective
Dr. Preeti Singh, Senior Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Paras Hospitals Gurugram, sheds light on burnout, a state often mistaken for depression. While sharing similar symptoms, burnout arises from prolonged stress, leading to overwhelming mental and physical exhaustion. It can hinder daily tasks and commitments, making it vital to recognize its unique nature.
Burnout vs. Depression: Decoding the Differences
Dr. Singh highlights the differences between burnout and depression. Burnout stems from extended stress and can result in exhaustion and physical ailments, often impacting daily life. On the other hand, depression is a diagnosable mental health disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including loss of interest, anger, appetite shifts, and thoughts of suicide.
Recognizing Burnout: Commonly Observed Symptoms
Physical manifestations of burnout encompass constant exhaustion, weakened immunity leading to frequent illnesses, recurring muscle pain or headaches, and disruptions in appetite and sleep patterns. Dr. Singh outlines these telltale signs that help identify burnout.
Millennials and Burnout: Underlying Factors
Dr. Singh addresses the heightened burnout experienced by millennials, citing extended work hours, stagnant salaries, and mounting debt as contributing factors. This generation faces unique challenges that contribute to their increased mental and physical weariness.
Recovery from Burnout: Practical Strategies
Recovering from burnout involves essential steps, including prioritizing goals, seeking support, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, and incorporating exercise. Dr. Singh underscores the significance of these strategies for effective recuperation.
Pandemic Impact: Fueling the Burnout Epidemic
Dr. Singh discusses the pandemic’s role in exacerbating burnout rates. Remote work challenges, blurred work-life boundaries, and international living complexities have contributed to the surge in burnout cases, as highlighted by workplace surveys.
