Upper Austria diagnoses 13,000 burnout cases each year

About 13,000 burnout cases are diagnosed each year in Upper Austria, and more than 1,000 people need inpatient treatment, ORF Upper Austria reports. The figures feature in the broadcaster’s series “Under pressure: How stress makes us ill,” which examines the effects of chronic stress on physical and mental health.

A man in his late 30s told ORF Upper Austria that he is doing well again after reaching his lowest point about 18 months ago. He was sleeping only around three hours a night and struggled with even simple tasks. At the time, he said, answering four or five emails was the most he could manage.

Alongside his job, he worked at two locations and took on leadership roles and night shifts with the fire service and ambulance service. He also placed high demands on himself. Psychiatrist Ellena Karner-Ikonomu, from the Neuromed Campus at Kepler University Hospital Linz, said a strong sense of responsibility and perfectionism are common risk factors. People with these traits may try for too long to manage everything alone, she said, until they can no longer cope.

People in caring professions, those balancing family and work responsibilities, and middle managers are particularly at risk. The Upper Austria Chamber of Labour says many employees face time pressure and psychological strain at work.

Stress is a normal bodily response, Karner-Ikonomu said, but problems arise when the response is not properly regulated. Under chronic stress, the body continually releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. The effects can include sleep problems, exhaustion and physical symptoms. Mental illnesses now account for up to 12 percent of sick-leave days, according to current data, and absences last considerably longer on average than other sick leaves.

Workplace conflicts can also contribute to burnout. Learning to manage stress, deal constructively with conflict and schedule time to rest can help, Karner-Ikonomu said. Some people experience burnout again after treatment, although many become more alert to warning signs after a serious crisis.

The man spent almost 10 weeks receiving treatment at the Neuromed Campus. He now cancels or postpones plans when he lacks the energy, rather than pushing through while exhausted. He said his tendency to take on too much had not disappeared, but he had learned to set limits in time.