Chronic Stress and the Genesis of Burnout
Arianna Molloy
The genesis of burnout is chronic stress . We throw the word stress around like we throw dirty clothes into the laundry bin , unthinking and often . Stress itself is not necessarily bad . We can experience good stress with positive or new situations like starting a new job , a new romantic relationship , and so on . Stress can surface from caring deeply about the outcome of an event or situation .
The problem with stress is that we can normalize it to such a degree that we don ’ t see the imminent danger of continual , long-term stress as anything other than an annoyance . This is called chronic stress , or sustained stress . It involves more than temporary mental , physical , psychological , emotional , or spiritual pressure . The internal ramifications are significant , and the implications of sustained stress on communication and relationships can be startling .
What are some of the consequences of chronic stress on our communication ? Research tells us that sustained stress significantly impacts how we communicate with others and how we interpret other people ’ s communication with us . The three ways this is especially evident is in withdrawal , reduced awareness , and physical tension . ( Peter A . Andersen , Nonverbal Communication : Forms and Functions , 2nd ed ., Long Grove , Il : Waveland Press , 2008 ). Let ’ s unpack each one of these and as we do , if you ’ re willing , try to assess where you are in each of these categories .
First , when we have chronic stress , we withdraw . We avoid and seek escape . While
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