Last Updated on 8 March 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
When it comes to workplace stress, most people would agree that it’s a normal part of their workday. Mention the word ‘burnout’ however and some may start to relate their fatigue and other symptoms directly to the demands of their work. As far as occupational hazards go, reaching the burnout stage is concerning. Burnout syndrome is described in medical literature, as a phenomenon of emotional, motivational, and physical exhaustion. (1) Burnout is presumed to be the result of chronic stress, (2) most specifically workplace stress, and involves prolonged stress reactions and disturbed recovery processes. (3)
Adrenal fatigue is a term often used by Naturopaths to explain the impact of stress on the adrenal’s glands. It’s not always medically recognised but may be considered an ‘umbrella’ term or ‘hybrid’ condition. (4) If a patient experiences chronic stress and describes burnout, they are considered to have adrenal fatigue.
Burnout signs and symptoms include: (2,3,5)
- depression
- anxiety
- insomnia
- memory deficits
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Burnout is also associated with: (3)
- digestive problems
- skin problems
- headaches
- reduced reproductive functions
- type 2 diabetes (T2DM)
- cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related events
When it comes to Adrenal Fatigue, fighting fire with fire = Burnout
Naturally, events or conditions considered physiologically stressful to the adrenals stimulate the release of stress hormones. (6) Of course, this goes beyond the workplace environment but things like calorie restriction, sleep deprivation, excessive exercise, and various mental states (6) which induce the stress response might be due to workplace stress both during and outside of work hours. Clearly the more stressed we are, the more we use our stress response. Feelings of fatigue may be ignored until the ‘crash and burn’ scenario takes over – but fatigue is experienced differently by individuals.
Diagnosing Burnout and Adrenal Fatigue
Research suggests that fatigue is multidimensional, with five key components recognised that may contribute to both fatigue and depression including (7)
- general fatigue
- physical fatigue
- reduction in activity
- reduction in motivation
- mental (cognitive) fatigue
Our Naturopaths gather an extensive medical history during an initial consultation. When a patient presents with fatigue, a number of scenarios might explain a patient’s intense exhaustion including (8)
- a depressive episode
- an undiagnosed physical illness
- their work conditions
Often as part of best practice, a referral for blood tests is discussed at your appointment. The use of the term Burnout is helpful when asking a medical doctor to run any relevant tests. Excluding other causes is important and a good GP will also recognise Burnout as a serious consideration of poor health outcomes.
Rekindling the Flame within
When it comes to Burnout and Adrenal Fatigue, a significant recovery outcome is the restoration of energy and the ability to deal with future demands. (3) Naturopathic support includes diet, exercise and lifestyle advice and nutritional and botanical medicine prescription. The goals of treatment include: (6)
- supporting the adrenals with adaptogens
- nutrients to normalise cortisol levels
- anxiolytic herbs to support sleep disorders and experiences of acute anxiety
- balancing neurotransmitters with amino acids and nutrient cofactors
Laughter is the Best Medicine, Literally
An important aspect of immunity in the mucous membranes, secretory IgA (sIgA), appears to be influenced by stress. Day-to-day stressful problems, negative emotions and even lacking a sense of humour can decrease sIgA levels. A single 5-minute experience of anger can produce a significant decrease in sIgA levels that can be measured up to five hours after the experience. (6)
While we’re not suggesting to just dismiss how you may be feeling and ‘laugh it off, looking for opportunities for more enjoyment, especially in the form of laughter, can actually help with recovery from Burnout and Adrenal Fatigue.
Slow and Steady wins the Race
Having both short term and long term goals for recovery from Burnout is a good way to stay realistic about how you may continue to feel. Recognising the problem and seeking answers is a big step and supporting the stress response is the major treatment aim. Yet drastic changes like getting a new job may take time. It’s about making small changes for big effects first and that’s where we can help the most – by giving you the personal attention that will guide you in the dark. Let’s get your shining bright again!
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