Beware the burnout.
Rising in popularity over the last few years, burnout has come for many, whether they’re breaking under the pressure of work or life, affecting nearly a quarter of Americans before they’re 30.
But the term is so broad and can mean so many different things that it raises the question of whether or not someone should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
While classified as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” by the World Health Organization, burnout isn’t a medical condition.
However, it can result in both mental and physical symptoms, making the experience — and the underlying cause — different for everyone.
“One of the biggest problems is that people use the word ‘burnout’ to describe many different experiences,” Dr. Theodore Strange, chair of medicine at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post.
“That’s why it’s important not to stop at the label but instead determine what’s actually causing the symptoms.”
Burnout could be depression for one person, and a loss of enjoyment from work for another. It can also be a physical symptom “caused by iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, thyroid disease or another medical condition,” Strange said.
This is why Strange advocates talking to a doctor to get a thorough evaluation regarding sleep, appetite, mood, focus and whether any tests like blood work need to be done.
There are two nutritional deficiencies that can cause fatigue, a common symptom of burnout.
“Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, particularly in older adults who don’t absorb B12 well, people who’ve had stomach surgery or strict vegans who aren’t getting enough B12 in their diet,” Strange explained.
Another is iron deficiency, especially in women who menstruate or people who don’t consume enough iron from their diets, as they may not have the energy to do things.
But Strange cautions that fatigue is a vague symptom, noting that signs of an iron deficiency aren’t always distinguishable from burnout.
“Burnout is often described as not wanting to get up in the morning, dreading work or feeling emotionally exhausted — and that can be related to situational depression, being overworked or simply no longer enjoying what you’re doing,” he said.
On the other hand, “iron deficiency can also cause fatigue, but for an entirely different physiological reason.”
While replacing iron stores can treat symptoms of a deficiency, it won’t manage fatigue and other symptoms if they’re due to depression, anxiety, job stress or another medical condition.
And speaking of medical conditions, Strange also attributes thyroid disease and other hormone disorders, like diabetes, to causing similar symptoms to burnout.
Above all else, burnout is rarely a first diagnosis. Instead, ruling out any medical conditions with potentially reversible treatments before assessing if symptoms present are those of depression, situational stress or an emotional cause.
If fatigue and other burnout-like symptoms are due to a deficiency, replacing iron or B12 may help.
Strange adds that exercise is important to managing burnout signs as well.
“If someone truly is experiencing burnout, regular physical activity — even something as simple as walking for 25 to 30 minutes a day — can help stimulate the body’s natural hormones, including serotonin and dopamine, which can improve mood and overall well-being,” he said.
