Burnout, as we are slowly becoming collectively aware, is a condition typically associated with workplace stress that has become unmanageable. Its common effects - such as cynicism, exhaustion, reduced efficacy - were formally defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) back in 2019, and they are felt by all types of individuals - regardless of age, gender, race, or any other demographic qualifier.
However, burnout’s causes are not the same for everyone. At the most granular level, each individual’s case of burnout is the unique result of their beliefs, life experiences, personality, cultural upbringing, and thousands upon thousands of decisions made over periods of years. Yet, if we look for generalised trends, we can see common causes when it comes to burnout among various groups of people.
In this guest blog post, Jim Young breaks down barriers to open up more meaningful conversations on men’s burnout, and identifies how “expansive intimacy” can help to be an alternative.