How to Measure Burnout

Burnout is the exhaustion and stress that occur in jobs that involve caregiving or frequent stress, such as nursing, counseling, emergency room work and military professions. Burnout results in negative changes in your personality and can interfere with your personal life, as well as your ability to perform work tasks. Knowing how to tell the signs of burnout and measure their severity can help you spot the signs before they become a problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice your level of emotional engagement and exhaustion. If you find yourself unable to devote as much time or attention to your loved ones or the people you are giving care to as you used to, then you might be overworking yourself and experiencing compassion fatigue, which can result in severe burnout.

• 2

  Assess your level of interest in socializing and other previously enjoyed activities. If you find that you have started to withdraw from friends and no longer do activities that you used to, then you might be suffering from burnout.

• 3

  Check your physical symptoms. If you find yourself sleeping frequently or suffering from various aches and pains, such as headaches or stomachaches, then this might indicate that your burnout is becoming a more serious problem.

• 4

  Note any feelings of animosity or anger you have toward yourself, your loved ones or the individuals you are caring for. If you sometimes feel an urge to physically harm yourself or others, then you might be severely at risk for burnout and must get help immediately.