What Is Burnout? How the WHO Defines It
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What Is Burnout?
How the WHO defines it
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Good evening, everyone. A few years ago, I was working twelve-hour days. I felt exhausted, I stopped caring about my projects, and I felt like nothing I did mattered. Later, I learned that there's a name for this: burnout. Today, I'll explain what it means.
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I stopped caring about
I lost interest in.
there's a name for this
This experience has a special word.
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01What Is Burnout?
Good evening, everyone. A few years ago, I was working twelve-hour days. I felt exhausted, I stopped caring about my projects, and I felt like nothing I did mattered. Later, I learned that there's a name for this: burnout. Today, I'll explain what it means.
02An Official Definition
In 2019, the World Health Organization included burnout in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases, called ICD-11. But it's important to note how it's classified.
Source: World Health Organization, "Burn-out an 'occupational phenomenon': International Classification of Diseases" (May 2019)
03Not a Medical Condition
The WHO describes burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," not as a medical condition. It is specifically linked to work, resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Source: World Health Organization, "Burn-out an 'occupational phenomenon': International Classification of Diseases" (May 2019)
04Three Dimensions
According to the WHO, burnout has three dimensions: feeling exhausted or drained of energy, feeling mentally distant or negative about your job, and feeling less effective at work. Looking back, I had all three.
Source: World Health Organization, "Burn-out an 'occupational phenomenon': International Classification of Diseases" (May 2019)
05A Common Misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that burnout simply means being tired, or that it's a sign of weakness. But the WHO's definition points to unmanaged workplace stress, which means the work environment matters, not just the individual.
06What Helped Me
What helped me was talking honestly with my manager about my workload, setting clear working hours, and getting support from a professional. If you recognize these signs in yourself, please talk to someone you trust or a health professional.
07What Workplaces Can Do
Workplaces have a role too. Because burnout comes from workplace stress, companies can help by setting realistic workloads, respecting breaks and holidays, and making it safe for people to say when they're struggling.
08Conclusion
To conclude, burnout is real, it's connected to work, and it's not a personal failure. When we understand what it is, we can start to address it, as individuals and as workplaces. Thank you.
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