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Burnout (exhaustion depression)
Long-standing stress wears out the body and can
lead to disease and burnout. The immune system can
become weaker due to stress and one can more easily
be struck by infections. Chronic stress can also be
caused by high blood pressure, headache, pains in
the shoulders and the neck, heart and cardiac
diseases and personal problems. Stress is the
reaction that our body and our senses experience
when we adapt ourselves to a continuously changing
environment. It leads to physical and emotional
consequences and can result in both positive and
negative feelings. Stress can help us to adapt in a
difficult and changing situation, but can also
result in an array of negative consequences that
can lead to burnout or exhaustion depression.
Several negative circumstances can lead to
burnout/exhaustion depression. Examples of life
events that can lead to stress and such most
negative consequences are losing a close
relative/friend, getting children, occupationally
related advancements, new relationships etc. The
following symptoms may be indicators of stress,
burnout and exhaustion depression:
Physical symptoms: appetite/weight
changes, increased use of drugs, alcohol or
tobacco, digestion problems, palpitations,
recurrent colds, headache, muscle pain, fatigue,
sleep difficulties, restlessness, teeth squeaking,
stomach ache.
Emotional symptoms: anxiety, bad
temper/irritability, exhaustion, sadness, emotional
swings, nightmares, depression, nervous laughter,
cry attacks, worry, easy loss of courage, empty
feelings.
Mental symptoms: exhaustion,
concentration difficulties, lower productivity,
lack of ideas, forgetfulness, boredom, negative
attitude, confusion, absent-mindedness, lack of
meaning and goals, hesitancy, cynicism, apathy.
Relationship difficulties:
depersonalization in occupational or social
situations, isolation, loneliness, intimacy
difficulties, low sexual desire, social withdrawal,
low tolerance, relieves negative feelings toward
others, despise others, nagging, unforgiving
attitude.
© Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) specialist in
Stockholm, 2005-2008, www.kbterapi.se
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