Burnout - What are the signs?
Women vs Men
Ever been searching for your phone only to realise you’re holding it?
Spotting the signs of burnout is a bit like that.
When you’re only focused on one specific outcome, you’ve got tunnel vision.
You’re fixated.
You miss things.
You see the clock’s ticking, and there’s still so much to do. Frustration, anger, and anxiety creep in and grip you until you realise, the phone is in your hot sweaty palm.
To address burnout, you must know what you're looking for. The signs in men and women are often different, so as you learn what to look for, you’ll have an easier time helping out those around you—most importantly yourself.
It starts with 3 magic words
Are you okay? These three little words can be life-altering. As a Clinical Psychologist, I've witnessed remarkable changes in behaviour and complete mindset shifts when people are surrounded by people who reach out to others.
In the workplace we don't always know what's happening in the lives of those we see daily, so it’s easy to miss the warning signals of burnout. I’ve highlighted the signals so you know what symptoms to look for.
It’s also important to know that these signs can crossover amongst genders and are not exclusive to only one gender. We're all different, however, research has shown us there is a tendency for the signposts to present in this form.
Commonly observed burnout signs in males
Initial signs
Rising negative thought cycles including cynicism, blaming others, and frustration
Physical and social withdrawal from work, family and/or friends
Emotional withdrawal, distancing and even dissociation i.e. feeling removed from your life
Secondary symptoms
Exhaustion
Stomach pains, digestive issues and headaches
Lack of energy
Inability to focus
Commonly observed burnout signs in females
Initial signs
Emotional exhaustion inclusive of physical tiredness
Feeling as though you cannot recharge your batteries
Drained despite how much rest or sleep you get
Stomach pains, digestive issues and headaches
Secondary symptoms
Cynicism, sarcasm or blaming others
Negative thinking
Decline in self-efficacy: lack of focus, motivation and ability to achieve
Conversation starter for burnout prevention
Start the dialogue. I suggest saying something like: I read this excellent article—did you know that men and women experience burnout differently?
This can jumpstart a friendly conversation, but it plants a seed in their mind that maybe what they’re going through is burnout related. Because, let’s face it, it can often be hard to see what others see when we’re amidst a whirlwind of our own.
If done in the right way, your help during a personal crisis could turn everything around—maybe not immediately, but it puts change into motion. A GP visit is also recommended. Sometimes tiredness is psychological or caused by imbalances in your bloodwork.
You CAN address, conquer and recover from burnout. There is help out there; get onto it sooner than later. Once you understand the triggers you can take bite-size steps until you find mental clarity and feel like yourself again (more on how to achieve this next week in part 2 of our Burnout Series.).
About Dr Kim Granland
Dr Kim is the secret weapon bankers, traders, CEOs, and other professionals call to find their A-game. She is a leading Australian and internationally renowned Peak Performance Psychologist, her expertise underpinned by an impressive 20-year coaching career with clients in London, Paris, New York, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
To connect with Dr Kim, visit: https://drkimgranland.com
You might also be interested in
