There is a collective perception that Mondays are not easy days, especially when they come after a long period of rest.
But physical and emotional fatigue, mood swings, insomnia and recurrent intestinal problems, can be a warning sign that something is wrong in your lifestyle.
Melissa Céspedes, a psychologist at Clinica Bíblica, explained that these symptoms may be signs of the burnout syndrome.
Although not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is well known at a practical level by psychologists and psychiatrists. It is a body’s response to prolonged stress at work.
It’s a group of symptoms, an emotional and physical response to overwork. The difference between stress and depression is that the latter is rooted in some type of grief. This syndrome will affect the family, because the parent comes home with problems,”
said psychologist Maria Esther Flores.
Eugenia Ocampo, a clinical psychologist, said people who suffer this syndrome often experience a fatigue that is more emotional than physical. Those who suffer from it are overworked, lose their normal levels of attention and concentration,
they feel extremely worn out and their performance in the workplace is affected.”
Even the relationship with peers can change.
People stop being friendly with colleagues, they feel forced to go to work, the thought of it tortures them. With that comes the little professional realization and the person begins to doubt if they chose the career and the job well,”
explained Dr. Céspedes.
The doctor also said that this situation occurs more regularly in professions or jobs where direct interaction with people, such as health services, education and customer service.
What to do then? According to experts, the recommendation is that people seek help before reaching the limit. The treatment is based on searching tools to channel stress, through good nutrition and physical activity, for example.