Burned Out
In 2019, the World Health Organization added burnout as a syndrome to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) because of the rising rate of burnout experienced by individuals in the workforce. Burnout is described as: a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Burnout Syndrome is characterized by three dimensions:
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
- Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
- Reduced professional efficacy
Burnout is considered an occupational phenomenon and does not relate to experiences outside of the work environment; meaning, the definition does not apply to something like “I’m so over going to the beach on the weekends, I’m burned out.”
What is causing burnout and is it turning into an epidemic? I believe that the work-life balance of many individuals is tilted towards more work and not enough “life.” People do not seem to get as much pleasure from activities anymore.
Technology may play a role; we are so focused on iPads, iPhones, Samsungs and television that it is literally dulling us during our time off. By the time we come back from work the next day, the same process repeats; it’s as we never had any time off to enjoy in the last 24 hours.
The reality is that technology is not going to go away; it will keep improving, especially with artificial intelligence around the corner. Will society propose that AI take over our jobs, resulting in less work for us? This will be a devastation; no work and a life bombarded by technology will spell out a recipe for disaster.
What is the solution? Spending time with each other and removing ourselves from technological isolation. We need to come together again and enjoy life. The DSM Ready Movement offers this solution: coming together to share our experiences, values, opinions, knowledge and love!
Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)
DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully) 