Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Insights into Burnout

Two observations I like to share and address to you in two questions. Do you know people that are subjected to burnout? Did you know anyone with burnout 5 years ago - Are there more now?

I think most people, like myself will answer on the 1st question: Yes and to the 2nd question no or yes but more now. A trend or is it really in the uprise? If in the uprise why? Why are so many people suffering from it? What has changed in our lives that we are not coping.

Another observation along these lines that I like to share with you is that it strikes not only the vulnerable but also people whom I thought that of all people they wouldn’t be susceptible to mental-energy exhaustion.


Burnout is according to the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases) a state of vital exhaustion (z73). On dictionary.com I found the definition: fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity.

I also amongst others found an article published by Wilmar Schaufeli in De Psycholoog (2007) which states the following:


On theoretical grounds it can be said that burnout is a combination of exhaustion and mental detachment. In essence someone in burnout has a shortfall in operation capacity plus a lack of operation willingness. One talks about burnout when there is an exhaustion of energy reserves and psychological withdrawal which take form in insubordination at work, lack of interest, less engaging, cynicism and mental distance...

www.fss.uu.nl/sop/Schaufeli/274.pdf


I think I don’t need to go on, you know what I mean.

Although it has been a while since I wrote a newsletter I did write some blogs which I hope you have been following here if not I would like to encourage you to read “Life Change Units” posted on 27 June 2010 and “Does Your Body need Coaching” published on 8 February 2009. Both articles give insight into this phenomenon and are written from my experience as an Osteopath and Body-Coach.


In short, change and our ability to cope with change is one of the major contributors for our primitive = automatic system taking over the mind. This system doesn’t think, it shuts your mind down which results in dis-connection and if not resolved turns into burnout. We’re living in times where we have no time to integrate the many changes, take time-out consciously. We’re pushed beyond our limits and become literally trapped. Trapped by our physiology, neurological and hormonal system. Talk-therapy will not turn these systems around no matter how much ‘heart’ you put into it. Rest will help but is a slow process. Body-coaching / work has catalytic properties, it facilitates, speeds up homeostasis, a return to normal. When body has released the mind again then healing can start. Psychological help or coaching may still be needed but with renewed access to the mind the integration of the results of this work will be speedier and more beneficial.

The psychological science community is waking up to the idea of the influence of the body on the mind through research in neuroscience but is still far off from integrating it into therapy.


If you like to know more about Body-Coaching please visit my website www.biomotions.com

I’ve also started a training program in Body-Coaching for psychologist, coaches and wellbeing therapists.


Agenda:


25 Sept van 9h - 17:30h - Nederlands

26 Sept from 9h - 17:30h - English

23 Oct de 9h - 17:30h - Français


For more information and other upcoming training days please visit: www.biomotions.com/biomotions/bodycoaching_2.html


Tom

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