Online Work-Related Stress & Burnout Therapy in Florida
Transform Your Story: Overcome Burnout
and Work-Related Stress
What is Burnout vs. Stress?
According to the World Health Organization (2019), burnout is “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by three particular symptoms:
- “Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
- Reduced professional efficacy. Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.”
Stress, on the other hand, is “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” (World Health Organization, 2023). The source of our stress can stem from a variety of factors, such as work, parenting, relationships, or health problems.
While stress and burnout are both serious conditions, they are not the same thing. Stress can vary on a continuum, meaning that you can feel differing levels of stress depending on your stressor(s). When stressed, you are struggling to cope with problems in life. For example, if you are presenting to a large crowd, you can prepare for it and some of that stress may dissipate. The stress typically goes away after your presentation. By identifying your stressor, you can address it and reduce it. However, if you ignore stress for too long, it can become a serious concern. Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including
- Physical symptoms: headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue;
- Emotional symptoms: anxiety, irritability, and sadness; and
- Behavioral symptoms: difficulty concentrating, procrastination, and social withdrawal.
Burnout is viewed as a chronic condition. Signs of burnout gradually build over time, and it can take a hold of you before you even realize you are burnt-out. We tend to work through and/or ignore signs of eventual burnout, which only leads to increased levels of burnout and stress over time. By the time you are burnt-out, you are totally exhausted of energy, motivation and interest. You feel discouraged and pessimistic about your work. Additionally, you may lose sight of your sense of purpose and meaning. Consequently, burnout can impair your ability to “show-up” and meet even the smallest responsibilities. It can have a domino effect and impact other parts of your life as well.
What’s interesting is that work stress does not necessarily cause burnout, but when you start experiencing burnout, work becomes more stressful. Burnout has a significant impact on the level of stress we experience. The more severe the burnout, the more stress you will feel. And, the more stress we feel, the more challenging it is to cope with. When we are overwhelmed with stress, our ability to function decreases.
What Are Signs of Burnout?
- Feeling unappreciated
- Losing interest in your work and other interest outside of work (e.g, social, hobbies)
- Having thoughts of quitting your job and giving up on your goals
- Disappointed and cynical
- Loss of motivation and a reduced interest in commitments
- Difficulty meeting obligations
- Increased absenteeism and inefficiency
- Withdrawal from coworkers and social situations
- Loss of meaning and purpose
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Feeling irritable, angry or and impatient
- Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Emotional detachment from previous involvements
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Bleak and depressed outlook
- Foggy thinking and trouble concentrating
- Getting sick more frequently
Why do High Achievers Burnout?
High achievers are driven by a desire to succeed and to do their best. They typically seek out challenges, and they have strong work ethics, determination and grit. These qualities make them top performers, but it can also make them susceptible to burnout.
Toxic work environment
High achievers are at increased risk for burnout when they work in an environment where they are not supported and are subjected to constant negativity, stress, and disrespect.
Set unrealistic expectations
Additionally, setting unrealistic expectations can contribute to burnout. This includes setting unreasonable goals, taking on more than necessary, placing great emphasis on the outcome, and expecting perfection. These actions can lead to a lot of undue pressure and stress as well as set them up for disappointment and failure.
Self-Critical
High achievers may harshly judge and criticize themselves regarding what you could have done differently. They may also ruminate over mistakes, compare themselves to others, and focus on perceived inadequacies and shortcomings. This is not only exhausting, but it can interfere with their ability to succeed.
Lack of boundaries
High achievers tend to be hard workers. They often place their work first and end up neglecting other important parts of their lives. It may be difficult for them to say “no” or to set limits. For example, they may take on impractical amounts of work and goals—even the ones they don’t want.
Self-Care
High achievers can become so focused on their work that they neglect their own needs and well-being. They may take the perspective that self-care is selfish and end up not taking physical, mental and emotional care of themselves altogether.
How Can High Achievers Recover from Burnout?
If you are a high achiever, it is important to be aware of the risks of burnout and to take steps to address early signs of it whilst managing your stress. Here are some tips:
Thrive in a supportive work culture
Choose to work in organizations that address and integrate resources for job stress and burnout. A supportive work environment will allow you to feel a sense of control over your work, have opportunities to offer feedback at any time, and receive support from colleagues and/or higher-ranking administrators.
Know when to say “no”
Recognize when enough is enough and challenge yourself to say “no” to impractical requests, expectations, and work that just doesn’t interest you.
Set realistic and flexible with your goals
Rather than focusing on what you “should “do, place emphasis on what you “want” to do. Our interest and motivation are much more sustainable when we do things that are aligned to our values and interests. Likewise, we often feel quite miserable and are less successful when we do things that we don’t truly want or like.
High achievers who choose to focus less on the outcome and more on the process tend to find more fulfillment.
Shift your focus
Reflect on what is truly important to you and what’s not and set your goals accordingly. Goals that are challenging but achievable will help you to avoid setting yourself up for failure. Additionally, if things don't go according to plan, be flexible and to be willing to adjust your goals as needed.
Strive for balance
Striving for balance will allow you greater perspective and enjoyment in life. It is vital to create time for breaks. This can include taking longer periods of time to enjoy personal things such as hobbies, date night, or vacations, as well as taking a few minutes of break throughout your workday. On a scale of 0 (no balance) to 10 (balanced), where would you rate yourself in terms of balance? Take a read of where you are regularly and make necessary adjustments.
Delegate
Seek help
Practice self-compassion and self-care
Relinquish some control and delegate tasks to others. This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important things.
Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the chance to make mistakes, learn and experience self-growth. Remember it is possible to be excellent (rather than perfect) and human at the same time.
We have one life to live, and you can decide to live it well. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical health will help you to better manage stress.
Find someone who can understand and support you. If your challenges are too difficult to manage on your own, seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress and effectively navigating burnout.
Get Counseling to Overcome Burnout and Stress in Fort Lauderdale Florida and Online
Thank you for reading this resource about getting counseling for overcoming burnout and stress. As a licensed psychologist of over 18 years, I have extensive experience in the areas of clinical service, instruction, supervision, and scholarship in the field of psychology. My priority for you in therapy is to create a kind of space where you feel at ease, understood, and connected so that you can be yourself and work on the matters most important to you. I will help you find self-compassion, curiosity and courage in the face of life’s most difficult experiences.
My clients are remarkable individuals. It is a privilege to earn their trust and share in their most personal experiences. I see my clients as heroes in their life story, and I am inspired by their courage, strength and resilience.
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profile personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.
Ready to Transform Your Story?
Donna is here to help you transform your story. Reach out to schedule a time to discuss how we can work together.
Find Treatment
Do you need help with something else? Take a look at some of the other things Donna helps clients overcome:
Conditions
Career
Personal Development
Relationships
Who Donna Treats
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profiled personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.
Where Donna Serves Clients
Donna provides services to clients globally online, as well as in person in the Fort Lauderdale and South Florida areas. Here are some of the great cities Donna serves in Florida:
Treatment techniques Donna Uses
Donna provides therapy for high achievers using a variety of evidence-based treatment techniques including the following: