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Stress and Burnout
Abstract: Stress and Burnout
Are you feeling the stress of trying to balance study, work and still have a social life? Are you exhausted all the time?
University life places a lot of demands on our time. Too much stress can lead to burnout. To find out what burnout is, and how to avoid it, read on.
Stress & Burnout
I know they say that a little bit of stress can be good for you. It keeps you motivated to get the work done. But lately, I have been feeling a lot of stress and it seems like I can’t get anything done on time.
I am trying to balance study, work and still have a social life. As this semester flies by, I feel increasingly exhausted, have no energy and am not coping with all the demands on my time. I seem tired every day and have trouble sleeping at night. I am getting sick a lot more than usual too. I am falling behind with my readings and feel like I won’t be able to catch up in time to understand my assessments.
I don’t even want to think about exams at the end of semester! I spoke to a friend about how I am feeling and they said I might be suffering from burnout.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a condition of psychological and emotional fatigue that can evolve over a period of prolonged and persistent stress. Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight, it is a cumulative process with small warning signals along the way which, if left unattended, can develop into a more serious psychological concern.
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What are the signs?
If you can recognise the signs early, you can try to take control yourself, or get the help you need, before you become overwhelmed. Look out for:
- Withdrawal from others
- Feelings of emptiness and denial
- Exhaustion
- Stress, anger, frustration, irritability, moodiness
- Guilt and low self-esteem
- Health problems – colds, flu’s, sleep problems and headaches
- Increasing anxiety and depression
- Declining study or work performance
- Feelings of meaninglessness
Strategies for avoiding burnout
Coping successfully with stress is the key to avoiding burnout:
- Be realistic - develop a realistic picture of yourself and set realistic goals
- Know what you’re feeling and why
- Recognise your individual symptoms of stress and burnout
- Ask for help when it’s needed
- Maintain an active personal/ social life outside of study
- Take ‘time-outs’ when you need them
- Maintain proper nutrition and physical exercise
- Learn to say “no” to additional demands on your time and emotions
- Develop a planner or timetable to help manage and balance your time
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Where can I get more information and help?
USC Student Services offers professional help including counselling and academic skills advisers. Contact Student Services for more information or to make an appointment.
More information is available from:
http://www.usc.edu.au/study/support-and-services/health-and-wellbeing/dealing-with-stress.htm
http://au.reachout.com/
http://www.headspace.org.au/
This article is compiled by David Duncan, in partnership between Student Services Health and PUB 352 Public Health Project for the USC Health & Wellbeing Project.