Macon Magazine

96 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 ontinuing COVID-19 variants; related sickness in self, significant others, and workforce; inflation; supply chain issues; labor shortages; market uncertainties. These global challenges are affecting leaders – deeply. A recent Oracle and Workplace Intelligence study found that 53% of executive leaders and employees are experiencing mental health challenges, compared to 45% of line employees. Might it be that leaders are experiencing the same challenges as their staff but are also charged with inspiring calm as well as demonstrating support and empathy to team members from their own drained resources? Especially in this heightened media era, leaders are expected to be bulletproof, accountable, and available at all times. Most leaders are naturally energized by creative problem solving. However, the number and scope of today's persisting challenges frustrates even the best leaders' abilities to affect solutions. Ongoing frustration without a way to resolve it leads to burnout. Leaders' resignation rates reflect these impacts. Post-pandemic research tells us: • Managers are resigning at an 11.8% higher rate • CEO turnover is up 20% So, what is stress? What is burnout? What is mental health challenge? What are solutions? The International Classification of Diseases, Revision 11 (ICD-11) defines burnout not as a medical condition, but as an occupational phenomenon that influences health and results from unsuccessfully managed, persisting workplace stress. ICD-11 calls burnout a gradually developing syndrome characterized by: 1) feelings of depletion or exhaustion; 2) increased mental distance from or negative feelings about one's work; and 3) lessened professional effectiveness. Stress and burnout differ. Stress involves feelings of "too much" – too many demands, too much to do. A common thought is "I'll feel better when I can get all this under control." Burnout is born when feelings of "not enough" replace the stress-related thoughts. During burnout, internal resources are depleted and thoughts like "I have nothing left to give" are a reinforcing companion. Burnout is more common in high-achieving individuals who have perfectionistic or pessimistic tendencies or are reluctant to delegate. People who work for people like that can also experience burnout. CAUSES OF BURNOUT INCLUDE: • Feeling like you have little or no control • Lack of recognition or reward for good work • Unclear or overly demanding expectations • Doing monotonous or unchallenging work • Working in a chaotic or high- pressure environment • Working too much without enough time for socializing or relaxing • Insufficient supportive relationships C SHANNON SAYS Beat burnout: Regain balance and restore hope BY SHANNON TERRELL GORDON • Taking on too many responsibilities without enough help • Not getting enough sleep PHYSICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: • Feeling persistently drained • Lowered immunity • Frequent headaches or muscle pain • Changes in appetite or sleep EMOTIONAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: • Thoughts of self-doubt, insufficient accomplishment, or failure • Feeling helpless, trapped, defeated, or hopeless • Feeling detached, cynical, dissatisfied, or beyond caring • Lacking motivation BEHAVIORS THAT CAN SIGNAL BURNOUT: • Withdrawing from responsibilities • Isolating • Procrastinating • Tardiness or absenteeism • Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope • Irritability Unresolved burnout depletes brain neurochemicals and can lead to full- blown depression. Poor coping with stressors can inadvertently increase anxiety or trigger a substance use disorder. How can we restore hope and derail breakdown? Pause. Practice the 4 Rs: REALIZE that COVID-19 has changed the world, so you can change, too. RECOGNIZE warning signs. REVERSE the negative by making thoughtful choices, seeking support and managing stress more effectively. Build RESILIENCE by taking care of physical and emotional health. Each of us only has this life. Take charge of it and your responses. You're worth it. I promise. Want more tips on how to beat burnout? Read Dr. Shannon's helpful tips at maconmagazine.com.

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