Stages of a "Burnout"
Im putting these up because "burnouts" are something that happens a lot on a small scale to many people when under stress, and to a large extent (like me, yay) to some of us who just happen to be pretty unfortunate. Its not very well known about, and I think more people should be aware of the symptoms so that they can help others around them.
The Compulsion to Prove Oneself Often found at the beginning is excessive ambition. This desire turns into determination and compulsion.
Working Harder Because they have to prove themselves to others or try to fit in an organization that does not suit them, people establish high personal expectations. In order to meet these expectations, they tend to focus only on work while they take on more work than they usually would.
Neglecting Their Needs They now have no time and energy for anything else. Friends and family, eating, and sleeping start to become seen as unnecessary or unimportant.
Displacement of Conflicts The person has become aware that what they are doing is not right, but they are unable to see the source of the problem. This is when the first physical symptoms are expressed.
Revision of Values In this stage, people isolate themselves from others, they avoid conflicts, and fall into a state of denial towards their basic physical needs while their perceptions change. They start to be emotionally blunt.
Denial of Emerging Problems The person begins to become intolerant. They do not like being social, and if they were to have social contact, it would be merely unbearable for them. Outsiders tend to see more aggression and sarcasm.
Withdrawal Their social contact is now at a minimum, soon turning into isolation, a wall. Alcohol or drugs may be sought out for a release since they are obsessively working "by the book". They often have feelings of being without hope or direction.
Obvious Behavioral Changes Coworkers, family, friends, and other people that are in their immediate social circles cannot overlook the behavioral changes of this person.
Depersonalization Losing contact with themselves, it's possible that they no longer see themselves or others as valuable. As well, the person loses track of their personal needs. Their view of life narrows to only seeing in the present time, while their life turns to a series of mechanical functions.
Inner Emptiness They feel empty inside and to overcome this, they might look for activity such as overeating, sex, alcohol, or drugs. These activities are often exaggerated.
Depression Burnout may include depression. In that case, the person is exhausted, hopeless, indifferent, and believes that there is nothing for them in the future. To them, there is no meaning of life.
Burnout Syndrome They collapse physically and emotionally and should seek immediate medical attention. In extreme cases, usually only when depression is involved, suicidal ideation may occur, with it being viewed as an escape from their situation.
