Burn-out Recognized by the World Health Organization

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Written by Dr. Field

Burn-out is now recognized as a disease state by the World Health Organization (WHO). On May 28, 2019 the WHO released a statement detailing how Burn-out will be included in the ICD-11 (1). This is a very important, helpful and validating recognition for patient health.

According to the WHO statement, burn-out is defined as follows:

“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:

  • feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;

  • increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and

  • reduced professional efficacy.

Burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life (1).”

The recognition of Burn-out as a disease state by the WHO is very important. Every day I see people dealing with Burn-out as a result of work place stress, though they don’t often recognize that they are stressed out or are even willing to accept that feeling burnt out is not a normal state. We live in a society where we feel like we have to be on the go all of the time, valuing productivity above all else.

Many of us live with Burn-out, but until now have not been able to name it as a disease state. What makes this recognition by the WHO so helpful and important is that having a disease classification helps to make things concrete and put things into perspective. It helps people understand and recognize that they are sick and so realize that they can ask for help and that changes are both necessary and possible to address the disease state.

Naturopathic doctors have a great toolkit when it comes to Burn-out. Acupuncture has a great deal of scientific studies showing it’s efficacy in anxiety and stress (2,3). Many herbal medicines have scientific studies showing they are helpful for anxiety and stress. Certain supplements have been shown in scientific studies to be helpful for anxiety and stress. And, of course, Naturopathic doctors can offer lifestyle counselling focusing on exercise and meditation, both of which have many scientific studies showing their efficacy in addressing anxiety and stress.

If you are experiencing Burn-out or are worried you might be experiencing Burn-out please consider giving us a call. If you’re not sure about Naturopathic Medicine, we offer 15 minute free meet and greets so that you can make sure Naturopathic is the right fit for you.

To book an appointment please call (250) 504-0090 or book online

References:

  • World Health Organization visited June 3, 2019. https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/

  • Pililkington K, Kirkwood G, Rampes H, Cummings M, Richardson J. Acupuncture for Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders – a Systematic Literature Review. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2007. 25(1-2): 1-10.

  • Errington-Evans N. Acupuncture for Anxiety. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. 2011.