The stress-burnout continuum: identifying stages

Burnout, or professional burnout syndrome (although it can also be applied to other areas of life), is not a condition that appears suddenly, but rather represents the most severe end of a chronic stress process that has not been adequately managed.

It is understood as a continuum that evolves through different stages, and its early recognition is crucial for prevention and intervention.

Burnout as a Gradual Process

Burnout develops progressively when a person is exposed to high levels of stress and demands for an extended period, without sufficient resources or strategies to cope or recover.

Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North described a 12-stage model that illustrates this evolution, although not all people necessarily go through all of them or in the same order.

Early and Intermediate Stages of Burnout

Compulsion to prove oneself: An initial ambition Excessive effort and high self-demand to prove one's worth.

Working harder, without disconnecting: Increasing inability to disconnect from work or the source of stress, devoting more and more personal time and energy to it.

Neglect of basic needs: Sleep, proper nutrition, and social interaction begin to be neglected.

Displacement of conflicts: Personal or health problems are minimized or ignored, with the belief that "everything is under control."

Revision of values: Work or the source of stress become the sole focus of interest, and other values (family, friends, hobbies) are considered irrelevant.

Denial of problems and intolerance: Emerging problems are denied, and intolerance towards others increases, who may be perceived as incompetent or demanding.

Social and Emotional Withdrawal: Social life is drastically reduced, and unhealthy relief from chronic stress is sought.

Advanced Stages and Collapse

Obvious Behavior/Personality Changes: Significant changes in behavior that are obvious to those around you, even if the person does not notice them.

Depersonalization: Loss of self-worth and appreciation for oth