Medical error is always expensive. Psychiatry is no exception. There are conditions that are easily mistaken for a mental disorder, although this is not so. The burnout syndrome (CMEA) is very symptomatic of depression. Where is the fine line that separates mental illness from psychological fatigue, which is the result of emotional overstrain?
CMEA - burnout syndrome - this definition was given by Herbert Frudenberger, an American psychologist and doctor of psychiatry, depressed state, a protective reaction to prolonged emotional stress. In ordinary life, we say: "a man burned out."
CMEA is often confused with depression and 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 fading from the inside, emptying and gaining insensibility.
To whom may CMEA threaten?
First of all, the syndrome of emotional emptiness threatens those who are associated with stressful situations by the profession, spend a lot of time with people, or with gifted, talented creative natures with a fine mental organization and the habit of keeping their feelings to themselves.
Artists, musicians, actors - those who are associated with a public profession that requires emotional return, also suffer from overstrain. CMEA can manifest itself in connection with the overstrain of the emotional sphere, as a result of personal upheavals and disappointments. Particularly vulnerable are people with a high level of responsibility, the desire to control everything personally or with the so-called "excellent student complex."
This psychological ailment affects mainly fairly young people, from 25 to 50 years old, when a person is still full of ambition and expects an adequate, in his opinion, assessment of his personality by society, close people, and colleagues.
Signs, stages and consequences of CMEA
The first stage of the disorder begins with a sharp, impulsive, emotional outburst, after which emotions seem to stun a person, he feels empty. The mood changes abruptly, suddenly, unmotivated. Fatigue appears, indifference to what previously attracted, as well as a desire to postpone important matters for later.
A person in this state begins to force himself to work more forcefully, strives for self-assertion, neglects his needs, loses a normal sleep. A change of scenery, vacation or relaxation does not bring the desired reassurance.
There is a neurosis, concern about work, in personal relationships - unmotivated jealousy, the desire to control a partner. It may seem to a person that he is underdeveloped, the process requires his direct participation. Fears, anxiety, obsessive thoughts appear.
The second stage more seriously affects the social mechanisms that connect the individual with society. If at this stage CMEA can be considered as a natural protective reaction to overstrain, then the further development of neuropsychological disorder can lead to a dead end.
Gradually, irritation appears in relation to people, places, relationships, where emotional participation is required. Negativity, cynicism is manifested, a person can become sarcastic, mocking, ironic. Relations begin to become depersonalized, take on a formal character.
At this stage, a person is looking for salvation from heaving anguish in new contacts (business, friendship, love). But the outbursts of warmth in the relationship are getting shorter, dull irritation appears suddenly. Connections begin to break if a person wants to get away from the conflict, relations gradually fade, 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 independently. As a result of destructive or "escaping" behavior, a vacuum is created around a person, others begin to be disappointed, self-esteem falls. Psychologically exhausted, a person begins to avoid contact with people, become locked in himself.
Isolation takes on chronic features, a person deliberately breaks the connection. Often such people stop even picking up the phone, stop taking care of themselves, lose their jobs, 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 unwillingness to see someone, a person begins to get sick, subconsciously forming situations in which he will be left alone.
Sometimes in this state antisocial acts are performed - for example, a person can suddenly break loose and mess up to rid himself of any routine, or in search of a reason to interrupt communication.
When you try to put pressure on an emotionally emaciated person, reminding him of his obligations to society, work, family, arouse guilt - you can cause aggression and even thoughts of suicide in him.
How to overcome the burnout syndrome?
If at the first stage of development of CMEA it is possible to do with a change of scenery, 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 go into more severe forms - depression, idiosyncrasy, claustrophobia, xenophobia or other phobias can develop, up to panic states. 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 intellect bring their personality into a state of relative comfort and harmony with the outside world on their own. Someone goes headlong into an online game, into quiet, “secret” creativity, restricts their contacts to a narrow circle of close people and / or the Internet, filling the lack of emotions with communication in the virtual world.
By the way, a person with CMEA can be an excellent conversationalist, a vibrant virtual personality, but at the same time he is unlikely to make real contacts. Restoring social ties is not so simple. Psychoanalysis sessions can help, during which emotions can be relived, resurrected, expressed openly, splashed out.
A huge positive impact can have a new love, which will refresh, renew, “reformat” the emotional sphere.