The 12 levels of Burnout:[2]- Stage 1: The compulsion to prove oneself
High ambition and the desire to prove oneself turns into a grim determination and compulsion. - Stage 2: The increased effort
In order to meet one’s own high-set goals and expectations, there is a willingness to take up an increasing number of tasks and workload. By time, work is less and less delegated; Overtime working hours become standard. The person believes being irreplaceable. - Stage 3: Neglect of personal needs
The agenda does not allow for any other activities but work. Personal needs like sleep, nutrition and social gathering with family and friend are considered unnecessary. - Stage 4: Suppression of conflicts
The person concerned realizes a deterioration in her/his behavior but the source of the problem is not recognized. Dealing with problems is considered a threat and could potentially lead to a crisis which needs to be avoided by all means. Physical symptoms start to appear at this stage. - Stage 5: Re-evaluation of values
Isolation, avoidance of conflict, denial of physical needs are seen in a different light. Friendship, hobbies and social exchanges that once used to be important are now neglected. Work is the only measurement of self-worth. Emotional dullness increases. - Stage 6: Denial of problems
Colleagues are considered dumb, lazy or too demanding. Social contacts appear to be unbearable. Cynicism and aggression become obvious. Time pressure and work load are seen as the reason for problems rather than one’s own change in behavior. - Stage 7: Withdrawal
Social contacts are reduced to a minimum. The feeling of aimlessness and loss of orientation sets in. Alcohol and drugs are consumed as a way of coping. - Stage 8: Obvious change in behavior
Behavioral changes are clearly realized by the social environment. The once social, active and committed person turns into a fearful, apathetic and shy character feeling empty and worthless. - Stage 9: De-personalisation
The feeling of disengagement from the self, surroundings and own needs sets in. The world seems unreal. The self as well as others are considered worthless. The person goes through life as operated by remote-control. - Stage 10: Feeling of emptiness
As the feeling of inner emptiness grows the person engages into excessive activities such as over-eating, drug and alcohol abuse, compulsive sexual behavior. Leisure time is considered pointless. - Stage 11: Depression
In this stage, burnout becomes the equivalent to depression, showing signs of indifference, hopelessness, exhaustion and negative expectations. Life becomes meaningless. - Stage 12: the peak – full burnout syndrome
The person considers suicide as the last resort to escape from an unbearable condition. A physical, mental and emotional breakdown occurs. In this stage imminent medical support is essential.
High ambition and the desire to prove oneself turns into a grim determination and compulsion.
In order to meet one’s own high-set goals and expectations, there is a willingness to take up an increasing number of tasks and workload. By time, work is less and less delegated; Overtime working hours become standard. The person believes being irreplaceable.
The agenda does not allow for any other activities but work. Personal needs like sleep, nutrition and social gathering with family and friend are considered unnecessary.
The person concerned realizes a deterioration in her/his behavior but the source of the problem is not recognized. Dealing with problems is considered a threat and could potentially lead to a crisis which needs to be avoided by all means. Physical symptoms start to appear at this stage.
Isolation, avoidance of conflict, denial of physical needs are seen in a different light. Friendship, hobbies and social exchanges that once used to be important are now neglected. Work is the only measurement of self-worth. Emotional dullness increases.
Colleagues are considered dumb, lazy or too demanding. Social contacts appear to be unbearable. Cynicism and aggression become obvious. Time pressure and work load are seen as the reason for problems rather than one’s own change in behavior.
Social contacts are reduced to a minimum. The feeling of aimlessness and loss of orientation sets in. Alcohol and drugs are consumed as a way of coping.
Behavioral changes are clearly realized by the social environment. The once social, active and committed person turns into a fearful, apathetic and shy character feeling empty and worthless.
The feeling of disengagement from the self, surroundings and own needs sets in. The world seems unreal. The self as well as others are considered worthless. The person goes through life as operated by remote-control.
As the feeling of inner emptiness grows the person engages into excessive activities such as over-eating, drug and alcohol abuse, compulsive sexual behavior. Leisure time is considered pointless.
In this stage, burnout becomes the equivalent to depression, showing signs of indifference, hopelessness, exhaustion and negative expectations. Life becomes meaningless.
The person considers suicide as the last resort to escape from an unbearable condition. A physical, mental and emotional breakdown occurs. In this stage imminent medical support is essential.
Psychosocial stress at the workplace:
In complying with high demands and obligation at work, a person is often ready to exceed personal limits. In return, there is an expectancy of a salary rise, recognition, appreciation, promotion or job security. [3] When performance and reward are out of balance over a long period of time, it can lead to intense stress reactions.
