Know about difficult things with Chula Pharmacy: Burn Out, no energy, no motivation

    As we enter the third quarter of 2024, many government employees find themselves in the final stretch of the fiscal year. This often means a rush to complete tasks on time, which can lead to burnout—a condition increasingly recognized in Thai society.

    Burnout occurs when stress from overwork becomes overwhelming, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. It's not just feeling tired; it's a deep sense of fatigue that leaves you with no motivation, unable to do anything but rest. In the past, stress might have been shrugged off, but now we understand that burnout is a serious issue. If left unaddressed, it can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health.

    Burnout can be summed up as chronic stress from prolonged work, study, or other demanding activities. This results in complete exhaustion, both physically and mentally, leaving you uninspired and disinterested in things you once enjoyed.

    You can recognize burnout in yourself or others by observing three key areas:

1. Physical Symptoms: Constant fatigue despite adequate rest, difficulty sleeping, frequent headaches, and other physical ailments.
2. Mental and Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of depression, incompetence, and anxiety that impact work or studies. Burnout can cause poor decision-making, misplaced priorities, and strained relationships at work or school.
3. Behavioral Symptoms: Delays in decision-making, incorrect prioritization, and deteriorating performance in professional or academic settings.

    Managing burnout involves taking control of what you can. Start by caring for your health—eat a balanced diet, avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol, get sufficient sleep, and exercise regularly. Simple activities like walking in nature can also help rejuvenate your mind.

    For those with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, acid reflux, or migraines, it's crucial to follow medical advice and take medications as prescribed. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can ensure you’re managing your condition effectively.

    In addition to physical care, mental well-being is essential. While approaches like meditation or mindfulness can be beneficial, it's important to set boundaries between work, study, and personal time. Make sure you have time to care for yourself and not let work consume all your energy.

    There is no specific medication for burnout, as it's primarily a behavioral issue. Adjusting your lifestyle and mindset is key to recovery. However, if burnout leads to severe anxiety or insomnia, consulting a doctor is crucial. In some cases, short-term medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and prevent the situation from worsening.

    Though burnout isn’t classified as an illness, if not properly managed, it can lead to serious conditions like depression. If you suspect you or someone close to you is experiencing burnout, it’s important to seek professional advice. Early intervention can prevent the development of more severe mental health issues.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University