Can Be Fatal, Recognize Burnout Characteristics For Early Handling

JAKARTA - Recently, the term burnout is being discussed after being linked to one of the causes of death by the Diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), ADP. His departure is said to be due to the workload and the humanistic role that has been carried out so far.

Quoted from Everyday Health, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, burnouts in work are very likely to be experienced by workers. Burnout is a condition of physical, emotional and mental fatigue caused by prolonged stress due to work.

" Classically we refer to burnout as depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of cynicism, sensing, as well as lack of achievement," said professor of psikatri and behavioral science at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, Carol Bernstein, MD.

Symptoms of burnout are very diverse, because signs of work fatigue can overlap with symptoms of depression or other mental health problems. If not treated can be fatal, namely the possibility of ending life.

Therefore, it is important to recognize the characteristics of burnout in order to be able to handle it early on. Here are the characteristics of burnout that must be realized immediately.

1. Feeling too pessimistic

Someone who is exhausted in the world of work may have a critical view of being pessimistic. They have a negative attitude towards work and are more easily offended.

In extreme cases, this burnout may make someone question whether life is worth living or not.

2. Decreased endurance

Burnouts can also be characterized by decreased immune system. This is because the stress you feel can trigger an inflammatory response to the body that weakens the immune system, and ultimately damages the body's tissue.

With weakened immune systems, a person may have more common colds and put himself at risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, to type 2 diabetes.

"Often the flu and feeling unwell may be a symptom of fatigue due to the immune system being disrupted," said professor of management at Widener University in Chester, Pennysylvania, Anthony Wheeler, PhD.

3. Weight rising

People who experience physical fatigue or burnout may also experience weight gain. This is triggered by various things.

This is a combination of several things, such as your body's biological response to increasing the chances of weight gain, coupled with reduced sleep, depression, and changing eating habits, Wheeler explained.

The biological changes in question involve the stress hormone cortisol. The chronic stress increases levels of cortisol, and the high levels of cortisol have been associated with a larger waist circumference and an increased probability of overweight and obesity.

4. Self-isolation

People who experience burnout can feel that whatever they do is not appreciated, or feel different. This ultimately causes the person to isolate himself from the environment.

"In the end it can lead to worsening of the relationship and that doesn't help," he added.

According to Wheeler, things that can help someone get out of the burnout are social contacts that can relieve stress. That includes one of the recommended ways to help someone feel better.