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Dr. Hans Selye, the highly acclaimed
Endocrinologist and the father of modern studies on Stress, while
presenting the General Adaptation Syndrome, revealed that as the
stress starts taking its toll there are three very evident stages
through which the person goes through. These phases are : The Alarm,
the Resistance, and the Exhaustion phase. Also in this
section see what is a Burnout all about.
We also present a 'self-check chart' to know
your stress status.
The Alarm Phase :
The Alarm phase is characterized by the
triggering on the Stress Alert System (the fight or flight response).
There is thus an over activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and
the simultaneous inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Alarm is generated in the body and the whole body starts preparing for
a fight or take a flight. There is a flush of energy, and all
activities are speeded up. The pressure is evident and could be seen
in his excitement or fear.
The Resistance Phase :
In the Resistance phase because of the
continuity of the stressful conditions there is depletion of energy,
the person feels run down. As the pressure mounts he struggles to meet
the various demands expected of him. He starts getting bouts of
irritation, there is over-reaction to minor issues, sleep pattern
starts getting altered and he starts getting weaker both mentally &
physically. Very clear physical, psychological and behavioral changes
are observed by others.
The Exhaustion
Phase :
When the stressful condition prolongs, and
even after observing distinct symptoms of resistance phase,
appropriate measures are not resorted to, then the Exhaustion phase
takes over. As the very name suggests the person feels fully exhausted
& tired. This may go even to the extent of absence of all enthusiasm
to work or even to live. Psychosomatic diseases take roots. There is
emotional breakdown, insomnia, heart & BP complications, and host of
other very painful symptoms associated with burnout. The burnout has
started.
Burnout :
Burnout is the most dangerous stage which
the stressed people come to. Any signs of burnout shows the urgency of
the situation and has to be handled at the earliest with highest
priority.
Check out your
Stress Status :
Read the following statements and rate how
often they are true for you. The scale is 1 (rarely true) to 5
(usually true). Add your scores and see the results below.
1. I feel tired even when I've had adequate sleep.
2. I am dissatisfied with my work.
3. I feel sad for no apparent reason.
4. I am more forgetful nowadays.
5. I am more irritable now and snap at people.
6. I avoid people, both at work & at home.
7. I have trouble sleeping, because of various worries.
8. I get sick more than I used to earlier.
9. I am getting irresponsible & insensitive.
10. My job performance is getting bad.
11. I have started relying more on alcohol or drugs.
12. Communicating with others is becoming a strain.
13. My concentration is getting bad.
14. I normally feel very bored.
15. I work hard but accomplish little.
16. I feel frustrated.
17. I am afraid to take responsibilities.
18. Social activities drain me out.
19. Love / Sex doesn't give me any kick.
20. I prefer to be alone and get lost.
21. I don’t have much to look forward.
22. During off hours I keep worrying about work.
23. All my relationships are getting negatively affected.
24. Everything seems pointless.
Total ------------------------------
Scoring :
24-50 - You are doing well.
51-75-- Time to take preventive action.
76 - 100 - You are approaching burnout.
101-120 - You are burning out. |
