Burnout: Causes Effects and Prevention
Oliwia Wilczynski
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology/Enviornmental Option
Faculty Research Mentor: Thomas Comollo
Abstract:
Burnout is classified as a medical condition with both psychological and physical symptoms. Burnout has been found to arise due to long-term and poorly managed stress and an imbalance with the risk-to-reward factors; typically referring to the imbalance of deadlines and lack of recognition compared to relaxation and recognition. Common symptoms of this medical condition include but are not limited to extreme fatigue, a sense of helplessness, headaches, muscle pains as well as a loss of motivation. Research has found that poor physical health, inadequate sleep, and excessive social media exposure can intensify the feeling of burnout. On the contrary proper sleep, proper stress management, and physical exercise can help to alleviate the severity of burnout. Burnout has been found to have many long-term and short-term consequences on an individual's health such as cardiovascular disease, memory problems, depression, and increased risk of suicide. Some behavioral issues have been noticed with increased cases of aggression and substance abuse. Burnout does not happen overnight and instead builds up gradually as it is an accumulation of micro disappointments over an extended period of time.