Many people think that burnout is just short-term stress which will disappear when you take a vacation. However, this is only one of the common misconceptions associated with burnout. In fact, burnout is a result of long-term, chronic work-related stress which occurs most often in professions involving working with people and a high level of responsibility.
"The worst year of my career was the year I burned out practicing law, and it took me over a year to self-diagnose the illness," Paula Davis-Lack writes on Fastcompany.com. She managed to overcome her burnout and today, in addition to practicing law, she also trains employees on how to prevent burnout. During her training sessions she often hears the following myths that must be disproved.
Myth 1: Only weak people burn out
The truth is that anyone who feels exhausted can feel self doubts. If you want to overcome burnout, you need to realize the positive impact you have on other people. Look for ways to help people.
Myth 2: Overcoming burnout requires big changes
People who experience burnout are often afraid that they will have to leave their job. Such a radical change is, however, usually not needed. You often only have to set boundaries and tailor your job performance to fit you better.
Myth 3: Nobody should know about it
Other people usually notice that something is happening to you - often sooner than you do. You must realize that you have people around you who can help you if you turn to them. Ideally, you should be able to turn to your boss. Then there are your family members, friends, psychologists and doctors.
Myth 4: You only need a vacation
Not only burned out people, but also their bosses often feel this way. A long weekend will, however, not cure your burnout. You may feel less stressed for a while but after you come back to work, burnout will return with the same intensity.
Myth 5: Burnout is the same as depression
Burnout can be caused by, or cause depression. However, this is true only in 20% of cases. In 80% of cases, burnout does not have anything in common with depression. Some people may have panic attacks, others experience various physical symptoms.
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