In the previous blogs, we talked a lot about stress. When stress reigns for too long and you are not able to change it, release it and/or let it go, it leads to burn-out.
It is called burn-out, but actually, it feels like a complete burn down. So, the gliding scale is: stress, chronic stress, being overworked/or being worked up, to the end-station called burn-out. And believe us, you don’t want to get to this stage!
How is burn-out seen?
The Western terminology for burn-out, is undifferentiated somatoform disorder.
Somatoform disorder, is described as a psychological disorder, where a person has physiological complaints for which no somatic (physical) cause has been found. It is kind of the same with IBS: physical complaints, but no somatic cause to be found. Since stress can also have a mechanical or chemical cause, this description is at least incomplete. Another reason why this description is not correct, is that there are indeed physical abnormalities found with a burn-out; among other things, on the hormonal level. Under the influence of stress, the hormone cortisol will act up and this is measurable through a cortisol saliva-test or through the hair.
In short, a burn-out is a neuro-hormonal imbalance due to years of emotional and physical exhaustion. The stress system, the brain, the hormonal system and the immune system are completely disrupted.
Burn-out is often seen as work-related (under- and over performance), where the norm is that the patient must return to work as quickly as possible. Sick employees cost money after all.
An other vision on burn-out, expressed by Hans Laurentius is: Burn-out is never about work. It’s a spiritual crisis. Not feeling and listening lead to inauthenticity which, at a certain point, makes the soul scream for change. So, in this vision, there is a struggle between sticking to the old, unauthentic, limited existence and a starting drive of something that is total, real and free. In my personal experience and opinion, the second view is more valid. Therefore, I am very opposed to those 8 weeks programs to get rid of your burn-out. This is just economic and not-health-driven. Burn-out is a time fora change and not for getting back to the old. Every change needs time, on every level, may it be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.
What are your experiences with burn-out? What are your feelings about the two mentioned visions?Let us know by hitting the contact button.
April 2019
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