How Burnout Has Become An Epidemic And What Can Be Done To Stop It

Burnout is a diagnosis that was created decades ago for healthcare professionals — but now one can meet people with this condition in all walks of life. Here, the Guardian follows stories of a young banker from the City, and a middle-aged pharmacist from a small town. Both describe similar symptoms: the inability to cope with smallest tasks and the feeling of fear. Both of them could never make enough time for their families, and, eventually, fell ill.  Both were able to re-start their work: Adam returned to his bank, while Sara found a new job. 

It is hard to point a finger of blame at something particular — an aggressive management style, or a failure to accept one's limitations. More likely, the problem is systemic — the modern workplace culture is demanding and tends to spill off into the time that is supposed to be free. The support networks are wearing thin, putting more pressure on the people already stressed from work, and turning time with the family into another challenging task. The answer, then, should be a more measured approach to one's work, and closer, more supportive social networks.