Why are we all so
STRESSED
H
—and what to do about it?
ave you been feeling tense lately? Have you noticed that simple interactions with store clerks, support staff, or co-workers have suddenly turned into a tense, stressful episode?
Since when did Americans, who have the international reputation of being friendly and outgoing, become a stressed-out bunch of individuals? Over two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term psychological effects can still be felt. While acute levels of anxiety and depression that were experienced during the early stages of the pandemic may have subsided for many, evidence of pandemic-related stress in the form of burnout is becoming more of a concern. Employees have had to learn more, do more, and adapt more. The buzz word from last year was ‘pivot,’ meaning, you had to suddenly shift your way of doing business. While change can be exciting and good, too much change coming too fast and for too long can result in stress. Even watching the morning news invites stressors, such as a volatile stock market and an increasingly unstable situation in Europe. Given these facts, it is not surprising that many individuals may find themselves facing increasing levels of stress. For many, stress may begin to manifest as ‘burnout’ in the workplace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout results from chronic workplace stress characterized by feelings of exhaustion or energy depletion, negative or cynical feelings related to a job, and reduced professional efficacy. Burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion that can zap the joy out of your career, friendships, and family interactions.
114
MARCH 2022
| SBMAG.NET
BY DR. MICHELLE YETMAN
Continual exposure to stressful situations, like caring for an ill family member, working long hours, or witnessing upsetting news related to politics and school safety can lead to this stress condition. Our bodies are not unbreakable machines. Physically and mentally, our bodies can only stay in a state of stress for so long before negative things begin to happen. Ironically, many individuals do not recognize when they are experiencing burnout. Since the signs are not always easy to spot, burnout can slowly build over time until it reaches a crisis level. Thus, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can protect yourself against burnout. Like most things in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While burnout is not a diagnosable psychological disorder, that does not mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Here are some of the most common signs of burnout: Increased Work Stress. Did you used to like your job and feel competent at it but not anymore? Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and the people with whom they work. They also may begin to isolate and pull away from colleagues who could provide support. They may begin to feel numb, angry, or resentful about work and no longer find pleasure in it. Physical symptoms. The mind-body connection is clear. Stress often first shows up physically. Chronic stress may lead to physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches or intestinal issues. Sleep problems, such as fatigue or insomnia, may also present.
