In-depth Look at Workers Mental Health Issues and Burnout Syndrome Before It Harms Brain and Body

In an era where technology has blurred the lines between "work time" and "rest time," the classic saying “hard work never killed anyone” may no longer hold true.

With chronic stress becoming a silent threat to the working population, leading to "Burnout Syndrome," ALive Powered by AIA, a comprehensive health care app, teamed up with Vimut Hospital to host the "Stress Less, Happy More" forum. The event delved deeply into mental health issues, featuring psychiatrist Dr. Penchana Atiwannapat from Vimut Hospital’s Mental Health Center, alongside well-known artists Khuean Phatthanai and Mix Chalermsri, who shared insights on the realities of the working world and ways to regain life balance.

Understanding how the body's mechanisms make modern work detrimental to health.

Dr. Penchana Atiwannapat explained that current work environments are full of pressures that keep us "on" constantly. When the body encounters stress, it automatically triggers the Fight or Flight Response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While the body can handle this temporarily, prolonged stress lasting months or years causes the body to overheat like an overworked engine, directly impacting both brain and body.

This manifests as mental symptoms such as brain fatigue, slow decision-making, emotional fragility, irritability, as well as physical symptoms like migraine headaches, insomnia, and chronic aches.

Three warning signs from WHO: Are you at risk of burnout?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified three main warning signs of burnout. If you experience these, it is time to recognize the problem and seek solutions.

• Exhaustion: Feeling drained, chronically fatigued, with rest providing no relief.
• Cynicism: Developing a negative attitude toward work, feeling detached, or viewing colleagues and clients with emotional numbness.
• Inefficacy: Decreased work performance, loss of confidence, and starting to procrastinate.

Those most at risk are perfectionists who carry excessively high expectations, unknowingly accumulating stress beyond their limits.

The best prevention is lifestyle adjustment. Dr. Penchana recommends limiting work hours, ensuring adequate rest, and engaging in relaxing activities. If symptoms do not improve, consulting a psychiatrist is not shameful but a way to restore mental strength.

“Fatigue and stress are normal and not our fault. I encourage everyone to embrace themselves and allow for rest when needed,” Dr. Penchana said. Dr. Penchana concluded the discussion with this advice.