(4)
Unexplained depressions.
(5)
Irritable and short-tempered.
(6)
Impotent or lack of sexual desire.
(7) Less contact with co-workers. The individual does not enjoy talking and
being with others at work.
(8)
More physical complaints.
(9)
Inability to relax and enjoy free time.
(10) Withdrawn and quiet with little to say.
(11) Absentminded.
(12) Increased drug or alcohol consumption. A teetotaler may begin to drink.
(13) Decreased social interaction with family and friends. He withdraws, is
preoccupied and moody when with family and friends, is unable to share or talk about
his frustrations with these people. The burnout sufferer will state that no one wants to
listen to his problems. On the other hand, when someone asks him directly about what
is troubling him, he will respond either that he doesn't want to talk about work or that the
person who asked wouldn't understand.
f. Techniques to Prevent Burnout. There are several techniques used to
prevent burnout. Here are some techniques which you can use to prevent burnout for
yourself or which you can recommend to someone else:
Monitor yourself. Be alert to changes in your body or normal habits.
(1)
(2) Communicate. If you find yourself withdrawing, force yourself to be out-
going with other people. Do not retreat within yourself and build a prison of loneliness.
Listen to your "inner self." Understand yourself.
(3)
(4) Obtain feedback from coworkers or contemporaries. Your strongest
support may be among your coworkers. When work becomes a topic for social
discussion, learn to discuss it until everyone has had a say. Decide what can be done,
and, then, change the subject.
MD0586
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