Burn-out and depression
Introduction
Burn-out and depression are two syndromes that are increasingly common in the Western world, and this certainly has a reason to it. Some people suffer from such disorders from as early on as when they are a university student, because they find themselves unable to cope with the workload or the peer pressure or the strain of a complete lifestyle change. Amongst those people who cannot work, the most common reason for their inability to hold down a job is a psychological disorder. Society and its norms are definitely to blame here. An unbelievable and unhealthy emphasis is set on achieving as much as possible as quickly as possible, and this pressure is on from pre-school age and doesn’t really ever stop until retirement. It is no wonder that some people cannot deal with this load of pressure and go on to suffer from burn-out and depression syndromes. Burn-out is basically a syndrome that you get when you have worked so hard and for so long that neither your body nor your mind has any kind of energy left. This results in a kind of permanent exhaustion and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Similarly, depression is a state of deflated interest in anything happening around you and is characterized by a deep sadness that lasts over a long period of time. If one or both of these descriptions sound like you, then doing all you can to get appropriate treatment and trying to achieve a full recovery is absolutely vital. However, there are steps you can take to prevent such disorders from affecting you in the first place.
Prevention
It is very important to be informed about how to prevent burn-outs and depression. Basically, once in a while you should really take some time for yourself; ask yourself if you have not been too stressed lately or if you have maybe taken on too much. The main key to preventing burn-out syndrome and depression is maintaining a healthy work versus private life balance. Once you have worked out how much time you can spare for yourself while still keeping your achievements to an acceptable standard, the risk of you suffering from either of the disorders described above is rather low already. Still, you should regularly check for stress symptoms by simply testing yourself, and if an alarming number of symptoms seems to apply to you, then it is important to stop and reconsider your lifestyle. See where you can cut down on work and stress, what things are unnecessary in your life and maybe take up a relaxing hobby like yoga or meditation. This can really help calm you down and you will have some time for yourself and yourself only, even if it is just an hour a week, it is a start. Besides, this will give you the benefit of getting some regular exercise and improving your health. Also, maintain an active social life and do keep in touch with your friends. Your social circle is an important part of your life and of who you are and you should never neglect your friends over work, especially because they are the people who are most likely to tell you when they think something is wrong with you, and to try and help you if you have a problem with stress.
Treatment
If you already suffer from depression or burn-out, see a psychologist or a psychiatrist about it and do not be afraid to talk things over. These people are actually paid to help you out in exactly such situations. Depending on the severity of your condition, drugs might be necessary to help your recovery, and those can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Maybe it is wise to consider taking a break from work, university or whatever other commitments you might have for a while, or go on holiday in another country if you can afford it. This will truly change your mindset and provide you with the necessary peace and comfort to recharge your empty energy tanks. Once you have recovered, remember to take it slow from then on, monitor your work amount and do not let too much stress come up again.