| Definition: |
- a condition that evolves slowly over a period of
prolonged stress
- wearing down and wearing out of energy
- exhaustion born of excessive demands which may be
self-imposed or externally imposed by families, jobs, friends, value
systems or society which depletes one's energy, coping mechanism and
internal resources.
- a feelings state which is accompanied by an
overload of stress and which eventually impacts one's motivation,
attitudes and behaviors.
|
| Occurs
in stages: |
- Intense compulsion to prove (strive for control)
- Willingness to deprive self, avoid conflict and
needs and sacrifice one's values
- Denial, disengagement, observable behavior
changes
- Depersonalization, emptiness, depression
- Total burnout and exhaustion
|
| Often
accompanied by: |
- denial - estrangement from own feelings
- stress, anger, hostility, neglected needs
- guilt and low self-esteem
|
| People
in this society are at risk when they are: |
- nurturing - anticipate the needs of others
- alone - need someone to fill us up
- powerless
- a perfectionist and workaholic
- struggling with their own power, autonomy and
identity
|
| Can
be alleviated by: |
- Making correct lifestyle choices including diet,
exercise and relaxation methods and reducing harmful habits and
addictions
- Developing and maintaining a social support
system.
- Becoming absorbed in meaningful tasks.
- Learning to cope with stress
|
Internet
e-mail: wholistic@mindspring.com