This Thursday (10), the World Mental Health Day . The date was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of increasing awareness about mental disorders around the world. One of the most common is the burnout or work-related mental exhaustion. According to the National Social Security Institute (INSS), of the Ministry of Social Security, 421 people were removed from work due to the condition in 2023.
Although workers’ mental health has become an important factor in the discussion about workplace well-being, stress levels remain alarming. A survey carried out by Indeed, a job site available in more than 60 countries, almost 60% of employees feel stressed most of the time and only 1 in 5 respondents feel they are thriving at work.
The research, called 2024 Global Well-Being at Work Report also showed that workers feel that many companies are not meeting needs considered crucial to well-being at work, such as a sense of belonging, inclusion and energy levels.
The survey was carried out by collecting data on the health and well-being of 25 million people in 19 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, India, Japan, Brazil, the Netherlands and the United States.
The information was collected through Indeed’s Wellbeing at Work Survey between October 2019 and January 2024 and was analyzed in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Center, with support and guidance from experts Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and George Ward.
When can stress at work turn into burnout?
THE burnout syndrome or professional burnout syndrome, is an emotional disorder characterized by symptoms of extreme exhaustion, stress and physical exhaustion resulting from exhausting work situations, according to the definition of the Ministry of Health.
The main cause of the syndrome is overwork and is common in professionals who work under pressure on a daily basis, such as doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers, among others. The term “burnout” comes from the English meaning “burn” and “out”.
According to the Ministry of Health, the main symptoms of the syndrome are:
- Excessive physical and mental fatigue;
- Frequent headache;
- Changes in appetite;
- Insomnia;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Constant negativity;
- Isolation;
- Sudden changes in mood;
- Fatigue;
- High blood pressure;
- Muscle pain;
- Gastrointestinal problems;
- Change in heartbeat.
In an interview prior to CNN Wagner Gattaz, president of the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of São Paulo (USP), explains that Burnout syndrome occurs when a situation of chronic stress in the workplace is not “well managed”.
According to the expert, to a certain extent, stress “can be motivating, energizing and productive”. However, when in excess, it can trigger burnout.
The diagnosis is made through clinical analysis carried out by professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists. Once the condition is identified, treatment is carried out with psychotherapy, but may involve medications such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, if necessary.
Regular physical activity and relaxation exercises can also be effective in promoting well-being and reducing stress. According to the Ministry of Health, practices such as setting small goals in your professional and personal life, participating in leisure activities, avoiding contact with “negative” people and avoiding alcohol consumption can help prevent burnout.
“When people feel inspired and motivated, energy and productivity increase, and mental health should be considered a priority in this context. The debate about well-being at work needs to be accompanied by concrete actions that really benefit employees, and creating environments where they feel welcome is the first point to guarantee emotional security in the professional environment”, says Lucas Rizzardo, director of Indeed sales in Brazil, in a press release.
This content was originally published in 60% of people are constantly stressed at work, says study on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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