Medical error is always costly. Psychiatry is no exception. There are conditions that can easily be mistaken for a mental disorder, although this is not the case. Burnout syndrome (BBS) is very similar in symptoms to depression. Where is the fine line separating mental illness from psychological fatigue that results from emotional stress?
CMEA - a syndrome of emotional burnout - such a definition was given by Herbert Frudenberger, American psychologist and doctor of psychiatry, a depression, a defensive reaction to prolonged emotional stress. In ordinary life, we say: "the person is burned out."
CMEA is often confused with depression and is treated with antidepressants, which in itself can harm both mental and physical health. CMEA has common features with depression: loss of interest in the world around us, in life. A person comes to this gradually, emotionally burning out from the inside, emptying himself and gaining insensibility.
Who can the CMEA threaten?
First of all, the syndrome of emotional emptiness threatens those who are associated with a profession with stressful situations, spend a lot of time with people, or with gifted, talented creative people with a fine mental organization and the habit of keeping their feelings to themselves.
Artists, musicians, actors also suffer from overstrain - those who are associated with a public profession that requires emotional response. CMEA can manifest itself in connection with an overstrain of the emotional sphere, as a result of personal shocks and disappointments. Particularly vulnerable are people with a high level of responsibility, the desire to control everything personally or by the so-called "excellent student's complex".
This psychological ailment mainly affects quite young people, from 25 to 50 years old, when a person is still full of ambitions and counts on an adequate, in his opinion, assessment of his personality by society, close people, and colleagues in the shop.
Signs, stages and consequences of CMEA
The first stage of the disorder begins with a sharp, impulsive, emotional outburst, after which emotions seem to deafen the person, he feels emptiness. The mood changes abruptly, suddenly, unmotivated. Fatigue appears, indifference to what used to be attracted, as well as a desire to postpone important matters for later.
A person in this state begins to force himself to work harder, strives for self-affirmation, neglects his needs, loses normal sleep. A change of scenery, vacation or rest does not bring the desired comfort.
Neurosis, anxiety about work, in personal relationships - unmotivated jealousy, a desire to control a partner are manifested. It may seem to a person that he is not doing enough, the process requires his direct participation. Fears, anxious states, obsessive thoughts appear.
The second stage more seriously affects the social mechanisms that connect the individual with society. If at this stage the CMEA can be regarded as a natural defensive reaction to overvoltage, then the further development of a neuropsychological disorder can lead a person to a dead end.
Gradually, irritation appears in relation to people, places, relationships, where emotional participation is required. Negativism, cynicism is manifested, a person can become sarcastic, sarcastic, ironic. Relationships begin to depersonalize, take on a formal character.
At this stage, a person is looking for salvation from the piling melancholy in new contacts (business, friendship, love). But the outbursts of warmth in the relationship are getting shorter, dull irritation appears suddenly. Ties begin to break if a person wants to get away from the conflict, relations gradually fade away, emotions go to the periphery of consciousness, contacts come to naught.
The third stage is different in that it is extremely difficult to get out of it on your own. As a result of destructive or "elusive" behavior, a vacuum is formed around a person, those around him begin to become disappointed, and self-esteem falls. A psychologically exhausted person begins to avoid contact with people, to withdraw into himself.
Isolation becomes chronic, the person deliberately breaks ties. Often such people stop taking even the telephone receiver, stop looking after themselves, lose their job, family, seek solitude, avoid any responsibility. When it comes to family life, interest in the most emotionally significant people is lost: a partner, their own children, relatives.
During this dangerous period, alcoholism or drug addiction may develop. Psychosomatics develops when, due to the unwillingness to see someone, a person begins to get sick, subconsciously forming situations in which he will be left alone.
Sometimes in this state, asocial acts are committed - for example, a person can suddenly break loose and scandalize in order to rid himself of any routine, or in search of an excuse to interrupt communication.
When you try to put pressure on an emotionally exhausted person, reminding him of his responsibilities to society, work, family, to cause a feeling of guilt, you can cause aggression and even thoughts of suicide in him.
How to deal with burnout syndrome?
If at the first stage of CMEA development it is possible to get by with a change in the situation, then the second stage requires psychological support, which can be provided by understanding close people and reliable friends. The third stage almost always requires qualified psychological assistance.
During this period, CMEA can turn into more severe forms - depression, idiosyncrasy, clausterophobia, xenophobia or other phobias, up to panic states, can develop. This is not as harmless as it seems, since a person in an unfavorable environment can develop a mental disorder up to psychosis. At this stage, you may even need the help of a psychiatrist.
Some people with strong intelligence bring their personality into a state of relative comfort and harmony with the world around them on their own. Someone goes headlong into an online game, into quiet, "private" creativity, limits their contacts to a narrow circle of close people and / or the Internet, making up for the lack of emotions by communicating in the virtual world.
By the way, a person with CMEA can be an excellent conversationalist, a bright virtual personality, but at the same time he is unlikely to make real contacts. Rebuilding social ties is not easy. Sessions of psychoanalysis can help, during which emotions can be experienced anew, resurrected, expressed openly, thrown out.
New falling in love can have a huge positive impact, which will refresh, renew, "reformat" the emotional sphere.
Prevention of CMEA
Do not neglect the rest! Holidays, weekends, daily walks should become a necessity. Otherwise, the efficiency will decrease, and with this the risk of CMEA will develop. Do not avoid physical exertion - fishing trips, to the country house, playing in the fresh air strengthen not only nerves, but also intellect.
Try to spend less time online, physical inactivity can provoke emotional burnout. Do not get carried away by talking on a mobile phone. It is best to meet good friends in person, in a warm atmosphere, or go to a party.
Communicating with nature, visiting beautiful places, new impressions from good films and music has a healing effect on the tired nervous system. Eliminate negative impressions, do not watch dark films if you feel oppressed. Resolve relationship problems with your partner in a timely manner.
Prioritize your activities: solve the main tasks first, and the secondary ones can wait. Healthy sleep is important - at least 7-8 hours. Do not get carried away with spices, limit tea, coffee, alcohol. Everything should be in place and in moderation.
If you like reading, read good literature. Superfluous, unnecessary information will simply clog the brain and take up valuable time. Do not be afraid to openly express emotions - even if it is anger, you cannot poison yourself with negativity. At least by showing emotions openly, you can get rid of those you don't need.
You may need to have a mild sedative on hand. Simplify your life by not making unnecessary promises. For what weighs on the psyche most painfully is the promises that have not been fulfilled only for the simple reason that you are used to taking on more responsibilities than you can bear.
