Avoiding burnout
What really is burnout?
"Burnout is a sign of lack of energy and emotional exhaustion. Those who do more than they can handle get stuck. It is therefore important to make choices. Some activities require energy, other activities just give us extra energy," said Professor Lode Godderis (KU Leuven).
Burnout is the final stage of a prolonged period of stress and (over)tension. This causes you to suffer from both physical and mental exhaustion. Your "reserves" are depleted and your body and mind are exhausted. You literally feel "burned out. In addition to being a psychological problem, burnout can also be clearly felt in your body.
Difference with depression
Burnout is not a disease but a syndrome. It is characterized by both physical, psychological and social symptoms associated with reduced self-esteem at work, for example. Burnout has some characteristics similar to depression. The main difference is that burnout is mainly about a lack of energy. You feel unable to do anything anymore and especially if it is work-related. However, you can still enjoy things outside of work. Depression is a mood disorder: very much is negative, nor worthwhile, nothing can arouse your interest anymore.
How do you recognize the signs of burnout?
What can you do to avoid, or cope with, burnout?
Through his own experience with burnout, Bart fully understands what the impact can be, and is happy to help you cope or avoid it.
