Burnout is a real disorder you can think of as a repetitive strain injury of the mind, says Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist and entrepreneur adept at “helping smart people do hard things.” Dr. Walling was gracious with her time in this episode of Post Status Live, where she explains what occupational burnout is, what the symptoms are, and how to address it.
Topics Discussed
- Christina Maslach (UC-Berkeley)
- Maslick’s theory of occupational burnout
- Compassion fatigue
- Causes and symptoms of burnout
Key Takeaways
Burnout …
- …is a real disorder, not a made up term in pop psychology.
- …leads to physical and emotional exhaution, cynicism and withdrawal, and a diminished sense of personal efficacy — “I suck!”
- …is caused (and predicted) by lack of meaning in your work effort and lack of social supports.
- …is like a repetitive strain injury.
About Sherry Walling
Dr. Sherry Walling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, best-selling author, yoga teacher, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, provides mental wellness resources to leaders and entrepreneurs as they navigate transition, loss, conflict, or any manner of complex human experience.
Dr. Walling’s best-selling book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Shit Together, combines the insight and warmth of a therapist with the truth-telling mirth of someone who has been there. Her soon-to-be-released new book, Touching Two Worlds, explores new strategies for finding wholeness in the aftermath of loss.
Dr. Walling is an expert in trauma, stress, and burnout and her research has been published in academic journals such as the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
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