When the Pressure to Perform Becomes too Much

Stress, loneliness, and mental health issues are on the rise. Disruptions to daily life have led to a spike in burnout and symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.

The term "burnout" originated in the 1970s by American psychologist Herbert Freudenberg, who used it to describe extreme stress caused by high expectations in "helping" professions. Although the term was originally applied to people who worked in healthcare professions, any individual who self-sacrifices for the good of others can suffer from burnout. Burnout can affect anyone from healthcare workers and career-driven individuals to elite athletes and stay-at-home parents.

The three main symptoms associated with burnout include:

• Exhaustion: People who suffer from burnout are emotionally drained to a point where they feel they can't cope with the demands placed on them. They might even exhibit physical symptoms such as stomach (gastrointestinal) problems and body pain.
• Alienation from (work-related) activities: Individuals affected by burnout feel their jobs are increasingly stressful and frustrating. They might grow cynical about their duties and lash out at co-workers. This combination can lead to withdrawal from their responsibilities and relationships at work.
• Reduced performance: Burnout can lead to feelings of hopelessness and negatively impact concentration, creativity, and work output.

Burnout Syndrome (BOS) was added to the International Classification of Diseases 11^th Revision (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization in 2019. The mental and physical effects of burnout are a recognized health issue, yet many people hesitate to seek help.

Public stigma can prevent many people from seeking mental health care. Studies have shown regardless of education, employment, and income, older adults who live in rural counties -- especially males -- show higher levels of public and self-stigma and lower levels of psychological openness compared to older adults in urban areas.

Parents caring for young children feel the demands of being fully responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of their kids. Those who are ambitious in their careers might feel the need to always perform at exceptional levels to maintain their job or provide for their families. Caring for an aging family member can feel helpless and overwhelming, as time and energy are split between caring for that individual and the caretaker's own immediate family. Despite the vast age ranges and responsibilities of these different groups, all can be lonely and experience burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles because of the perceived pressure they feel to perform.

Mental health is just as important as physical health and needs to be prioritized as such. To perform at our best, we must be at our best— physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Reid Health is here to help you navigate and treat the symptoms of burnout. First, speak with your primary care physician. If you don't have one or are searching for a new primary care provider, let us help you. Additionally, Reid Health has outpatient behavioral health services to assist you.