Burnout is the #1 reason employees go on short-term disability.
A lot of my clients who experience chronic burnout carry certain personality traits that contribute to poor mental health. Usually there are other factors at play that contribute to burnout including work-related circumstances (ie. lack of support, unclear job expectations) and lifestyle (ie. lack of sleep, family responsibilities). These can be red flags.
Luckily there are ways to prevent and treat burnout. But first, it’s important to be aware of the cause:
- Perfectionist tendencies:
Perfectionists often set unrealistically high standards for themselves, leading to chronic stress as they strive for flawlessness. This constant pursuit of perfection can result in burnout as they may never feel satisfied with their achievements.
- The Need to be in Control or Reluctance to Delegate to others:
Individuals who struggle to delegate tasks may find themselves overwhelmed by an excessive workload. The insistence on maintaining control can lead to burnout due to the sheer volume of responsibilities and the inability to distribute the workload effectively.
- High-achieving Type of Personality (“Type A Personality”):
Type A personalities are driven, competitive, and ambitious, often pushing themselves to excel in every aspect of life.
- Difficulty or Not knowing how to say no/assert oneself:
Those who struggle to set boundaries and say no may find themselves overcommitted, taking on more tasks than they can handle.
- Prioritizing the needs & demands of others above your own needs:
Neglecting self-care and personal boundaries in favor of meeting external demands can result in physical and emotional exhaustion over time.