Burnout: The Silent Attacker
As mental health awareness becomes an increasingly pertinent issue in today’s society, the spotlight on some issues means others fade into the background. Burnout is a common victim of this. Often intertwined with problems related to stress and anxiety, it is the silent and invisible culprit in being the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The modern lifestyle, characterized by constant connectivity, demanding work schedules, and societal pressures, has paved the way for burnout to silently seep into our lives.
Burnout can be defined as “a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped”.1 It is often caused by being under constant stress for long periods of time. Though it affects everyone, women are 32% more likely to experience burnout than men.2 Women often bear the brunt of burnout for multiple reasons, including the fact they are more likely to be burning the candle at both ends, have cultural expectations and face hardships related to the workplace and environment.
One of the biggest challenges many women face has been named “the double burden”. This forces them to not only work a 9–5 job, but also work when they are off the clock. Cultural norms still in place today insist that women bear the brunt of household and caregiving duties, meaning their work day doesn’t end once they return home from the office. Most working mothers report spending at least 5 hours a day taking care of chores and caretaking duties, meaning that their total work day is more of a 13 hour day instead of 8. As women strive to give their best in both realms, they often undertake pressure, stress and emotional exhaustion. The mental load of managing numerous responsibilities further compounds the strain. This intricate interplay between work and home life can lead to burnout, where women feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to cope with the demands on their shoulders. People often refer to this as juggling work and home life, but what happens when the balls being juggled fall?
Another factor that can cause burnout is xtra pressure in the workplace. Putting aside the pay gap, women face many hurdles including the “broken rung”, microaggressions, and a lack of support. The broken rung is a phenomenon that refers to the inequality in promotions. Because women are less likely to be promoted to managerial positions, they are also less likely to get promoted to the other senior level positions at the company. This means that women often have to work harder to prove themselves and can face demotivating results leading to added stress and a lack of fulfillment within their career. In addition to this, most women report being on the receiving end of harassment and/or microaggressions. The accumulation of these events over time cultivates a toxic environment leading to alienation, questioning self worth and doubting abilities. Overtime, these incidents can lead to negative emotional effects, stress, and as a result, burnout.
Lastly, burnout can be caused by societal norms, such as the strive to be perfect, and the increasingly competitive and invasive work atmosphere. The pursuit for perfection, influenced by portrayals of women in the media and stereotypes and entrenched in long standing cultures can result in chronic stress and anxiety for failing to meet unrealistic standards. Moreover, the modern work environment’s competitiveness and invasive nature can exacerbate burnout. The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life due to constant connectivity through technology can make it challenging to disconnect and recharge. The culture of overwork and the expectation of always being available can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and a sense of never truly escaping from work-related demands.
Now that we’ve covered the causes of burnout, it is also important to learn how to recognize burnout. Most symptoms of burnout are subtle and can be confused with other concerns. The most common symptoms of burnout include fatigue, apathy, pessimism and a lack of focus/feeling unproductive. Burnout also manifests itself through physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and disrupted sleep patterns. Recognizing burnout requires a deep sense of self-awareness and an acknowledgment of the interplay between physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. It’s vital to take these signs seriously and not dismiss them as momentary stressors.
The most important way to cope with and prevent burnout is to practice self-care, both physical and mental. It is important to eat healthy, get ample sleep and exercise in whichever way fits you. These activities make your body stronger and allow it to handle stress in better ways. Taking care of your mental well-being is equally crucial. Incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can foster a sense of tranquility and help manage stress. Establishing healthy boundaries around work and personal time can prevent the buildup of excessive stress. Moreover, seeking out meaningful social connections and nurturing relationships can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, mitigating the impact of burnout. Creating a support network with friends, family and others who care about you also set you up for success. Lastly, recognize that prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s an important step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and allows you to equip yourself with the necessary tools to effectively cope with and prevent burnout, ensuring a sustainable and enriching life.
Burnout among women is a significant concern, but with awareness, education, and proactive steps, it can be managed and prevented. By understanding the contributing factors and taking charge of their well-being, women can reclaim their lives from the clutches of burnout and lead healthier, happier lives.
Sources:
“Burnout: 3 Signs to Look For.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs#:~:text=Burnout%20is%20a%20form%20of,up%20with%20life’s%20incessant%20demands. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.
“Creativity.” Black Female Therapists 7 Signs Youve Reached Burnout Comments, www.blackfemaletherapists.com/7-signs-youve-reached-burnout/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.
Melinda Smith, M.A. “Burnout Prevention and Treatment.” HelpGuide.Org, 24 Feb. 2023, www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm#:~:text=Behavioral%20signs%20and%20symptoms%20of%20burnout&text=Procrastinating%2C%20taking%20longer%20to%20get,in%20late%20and%20leaving%20early.
Parmelee, Michele. “Deloitte Brandvoice: Women Continuing to Face Alarmingly High Levels of Burnout, Stress in the ‘New Normal’ of Work.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 8 Nov. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/deloitte/2022/04/26/women-continuing-to-face-alarmingly-high-levels-of-burnout-stress-in-the-new-normal-of-work/?sh=22a33576432e.
Schulz, Bailey. “‘I Couldn’t Function’: Burnout Rates Are on the Rise, Especially among Women.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 1 Nov. 2022, www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/11/01/burnout-rates-up-women-middle-managers/10655108002/.
