Burnout Therapy & Treatment London

Stress is a natural human response to challenges or threats, whether in our personal lives or in the workplace. It functions as an internal alarm system, activating when we encounter high demands, pressure, or emergencies. Feeling stressed in such situations is normal, as our minds and bodies respond in the way we expect. Our adrenaline kicks in, prompting us to take action and return ourselves to safety. This stress keeps us alert, attentive, and ready to respond.

However, burnout is different. It’s like when the alarm system is constantly blaring and you can’t turn it off. It happens when the stressors, such as the demands of your job, overwhelm your ability to cope and manage. For example, burnout might occur when having to juggle lots of difficult things for a prolonged period of time or when facing one crisis after another without enough time to recover in between. It’s like running on empty – emotionally, mentally and physically – for too long, even when the warning signs have been flashing for some time.

Burnout at work can arise from various factors. Workplace burnout often stems from high workload, time pressure, unrealistic expectations, and inadequate support. Helping professionals face additional challenges due to the unique demands of their roles. You’re at higher risk for burnout if you’re working in a role that involves continuous exposure and emotional engagement with distressing situations, sensitive content, and traumatic material.

Prolonged exposure to emotionally charged work material and client relationships can have a significant impact on your mental health, if left unaddressed and unmanaged. For professionals supporting others through distressing situations and crises, burnout can result from repeated exposure to other people’s trauma through seeing, hearing and reading their stories. When coupled with high demands and insufficient support systems, the risk of burnout escalates.

While external work factors play a significant role, personal resilience and coping skills are equally crucial in preventing burnout. Recognising one’s limits, establishing healthy boundaries, and prioritising self-care are essential strategies. It’s also important to acknowledge the passionate drive to help others often found in helping professions. While this drive is typically viewed as a positive trait, it’s vital to recognise when the desire to help leads to overexertion and neglect of one’s own well-being. Failing to prioritise self-care can gradually erode mental health and overall well-being.

Given the nature of burnout, its duration can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the effectiveness of coping mechanisms and support systems in place.

In general, burnout can persist for weeks, months, or even years if left unaddressed. Factors such as the severity of burnout, the level of support received, the ability to implement self-care strategies, and the nature of the work environment all play a role in determining its duration.

While some individuals may experience temporary burnout that resolves relatively quickly with time away from exposure to stressors and appropriate interventions, others may struggle with chronic burnout requiring more extensive treatment, lifestyle changes and work adjustments.

To effectively manage and recover from burnout, it’s vital to seek support and practice self-care. This includes consulting with your GP and reaching out to your personal network of family and friends for support. You can explore engaging your workplace by accessing work benefits or employee assistance programmes and discussing adjustments with your manager. Additionally, you may consider accessing counselling and psychotherapy to address the mental health impact of burnout. By seeking support from various sources, you can address burnout and work towards restoring your well-being, which can help towards a quicker recovery time.

Full burnout recovery is possible, even in high-pressure work environments. However, achieving complete recovery typically demands a multifaceted approach and a dedicated commitment to self-care and support. This includes being open to exploring and adjusting fundamental aspects of how you work and your approach to work, including your mindset.

Essential to this process is recognising the importance of taking sufficient breaks and prioritising your own well-being. While time off can provide respite, it’s crucial to ensure proper support systems and safety measures are in place upon your return to work. Understanding occupational hazards, establishing psychological safety measures, and cultivating protective factors enhance personal resilience and sustainability in your role.

Managing workload, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care are integral to keeping burnout at bay. Seeking support from various sources, including family, friends, colleagues, and workplace resources, plays a pivotal role in burnout recovery.

Challenging mental health stigma and embracing the notion that seeking help is acceptable for helpers can further facilitate the recovery process. By acknowledging that you don’t have to always put on a brave face and manage everything alone, you empower yourself to confidently seek support, making burnout recovery even more achievable.