MHM Magazine

28 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 5 MHM next? Self-care, such as eating healthily, taking time for yourself, exercising, and getting enough sleep, is important. However, even after practising self-care, many people return to a toxic workspace where only so much can be done without broader changes to the work environment. Burnout in the workplace One reality of burnout, especially in the workplace, is that it is often seen as a ‘badge of honour’. Many organisations view burnout as evidence that you’re doing your best and working extremely hard, fulfilling the mission of the company. This is very much a cultural issue, and the responsibility lies with the organisation to change that perspective. Burnout is often caused by a disconnect between the demands of work and the individual’s internal resources and capacity. It’s up to the organisation to support the wellbeing of its employees. Leadership plays a crucial role in this. Recognising when employees are struggling and realising that something in the environment needs to change—whether it’s job tasks, working arrangements, or holding regular check-ins—is essential. There must be a cultural shift that encourages employees to set boundaries and look after themselves. The narrative needs to change from one that glorifies late nights and all-nighters to one that values balance and self-care. It’s about balancing your work performance with realistic expectations for yourself and extending self-compassion. Many of us push ourselves hard, but at what cost? Are we worth the price we’re paying? The answer is usually yes, we are worth more than the cost of burnout. At the end of the day, no job is permanent, and your health and wellbeing should always come first. For many, high personal standards and perfectionism contribute to burnout. As one of those people myself, I will give my all, even if it means working late into the night. But I’ve realised that it can come at the expense of my health. Exercising self-compassion is essential. Many people feel guilty about taking time off - guilty that colleagues have to take on their workload, or guilty because rest doesn’t align with their personal values. One colleague mentioned feeling guilty about taking time off but would spend the time being productive instead of relaxing. This belief - that you must always be doing something productive, is something we internalise from society. But it’s important to recognise when these beliefs no longer serve us or our wellbeing. We were all raised with certain norms, but as adults we have the power to change them. This is particularly relevant when it comes to beliefs associated with burnout, such as feeling undeserving of a break or feeling guilty for taking one. These beliefs need to change, and it’s vital to show yourself kindness and grace. Where to get help Burnout isn’t confined to offices, it spans many professions, including doctors, nursing, academia, policing, teaching, and NGOs. It often feels as though the onus is on the victim to take a stand, which isn’t fair. It’s not easy to challenge management or speak up about burnout. In many cases, employees worry about being targeted if they confide in their manager or HR. They fear being perceived as weak or underperforming, which could affect future promotions or their job security. However, many organisations have HR departments whose role it is to support employee wellness. Reaching out to HR for advice, even informally, could be a first step. They may recommend interventions like seeing a psychologist, starting yoga, or practising meditation. These proactive steps help you regain a sense of control over your situation. They also demonstrate that you’re prioritising your wellbeing, which shows that you value yourself. If your workplace lacks an HR department, it’s worth discussing your struggles with your line manager. In South Africa, strong labour laws mean that dismissal without a thorough investigation is unlikely, so raising your concerns doesn’t typically lead to immediate job loss. If nothing is done after raising the issue, escalate it. Take ownership of the situation by showing your organisation that you are serious about valuing your mental health. Burnout doesn't disappear when you leave the workplace. It can spill over into other areas of life. For many, especially women, there are also domestic responsibilities, childcare, caring for elderly parents, and household tasks. This mental and emotional load can exacerbate burnout. As Emily Nagoski says, ‘The problem is not that women don’t try. On the contrary, we try all the time, to do and be all the things society demands from us.’ Burnout can affect personal relationships, making you more irritable, short-tempered, or disconnected from family and friends. It’s crucial to reach out for support—from a friend, partner, or professional—and prioritise yourself, even if disclosing your struggles feels vulnerable. Long-term consequences of burnout If left untreated, burnout has serious health implications. It weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. It can lead to insomnia, chronic fatigue, and poor decision-making. Burnout is associated with cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Long-term burnout can severely impact your mental and physical health. That’s why it’s so important to address it before it becomes chronic. Prioritising yourself and your wellbeing is critical in preventing these long-term consequences. Burnout is a growing trend in today’s society. We all need to recognise it, raise awareness, and take action to prevent it. Taking steps towards addressing burnout— whether in ourselves or others—is part of creating a healthier culture and environment. References available on request. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Under tanding and Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for Resilience and Recovery H