“There is no such thing as burnouts.” It is one of many similar reactions to yesterday’s news. Outgoing Minister Karien van Gennip (Social Affairs) expressed her concerns about younger people with burnouts. It is exemplary of a ‘dangerous trend’ that has been seen by psychologists for some time. According to them, the existence of burnouts is increasingly being questioned.
The news is clear: more people are no longer able to work due to mental complaints and are therefore claiming disability benefits. Something the outgoing minister expressed her concerns about during a debate in the House of Representatives. She fears that the Netherlands will become a ‘burnout society’. She is also conducting more research into people who become incapacitated due to mental complaints.
The reactions on social media were not mild. “Nowadays it’s a hype if you have a burnout.” And also: “Burnouts? Hahaha, means you have to work harder.” But where does the denial of burnout come from?
‘That statement is really from the past’
The minister’s concerns are justified, says work psychologist Wouter Vrooland on behalf of the Netherlands Institute of Psychologists (NIP). “The people who received such a benefit were seen several times by company doctors during their illness and seriously assessed. And later also assessed by doctors on behalf of the UWV.” According to Vrooland, this should absolutely not be questioned, because these people have serious complaints.
But why don’t some people take it seriously? According to him, a reaction such as ‘young people should not act like this’ is due to our culture. We hate people who would rather be lazy than tired. “We always say: hard work has never killed anyone. But that statement is really something from the past.” Vrooland is not sure whether it will kill you, but it is certain that it can cause serious complaints.
Burnout not in psychologist’s manual
Psychologists see burnout-denying comments more and more often. According to Vrooland, this is especially since the publication of the book by psychiatrist Christiaan Vinkers: ‘Under the spell of burnout’. It describes that the scientific basis of burnout is shaky. For example, there is no consensus about the definition and what it exactly means. Burnout is also not included in the DSM-5, a handbook for psychologists, to determine a diagnosis.
According to Vrooland, the fact that people then draw the conclusion that burnout does not exist is not what the psychiatrist meant. “He actually advocates a better approach. And let it be clear: there are no scientists who deny burnout.”
Employer’s task
According to Vrooland, burnout is now mainly seen as an individual disorder or illness. While, according to him, this is often also a problem that lies with employers and society. “First, employers must take a critical look at the pressure and culture in the workplace,” says Vrooland.
Education is a sector that stands head and shoulders above the rest in that respect. “Teachers experience the workload as very high and that must therefore be addressed.”
Let there be no misunderstanding, the individual must also be taken into account, but not only. Vrooland emphasizes that it is not always the employer’s fault. Sometimes someone has a busy job and a busy private life, such as caring for a sick family member. “An employer must therefore see what he can do to help.”
According to Vrooland, flexible working hours and shifting days can help prevent people from being pushed over the edge. “It is too often underestimated how much an employer can do to prevent burnouts.”
In addition, the word burnout is used too easily. “Some people get that label a little too quickly from doctors and psychologists.”
Still other people diagnose themselves a little too quickly. As an example, he gives people who say: “I worked so hard this week. I’m really burned out.” According to him, throwing around the concept inappropriately also contributes to the denial of burnouts.
According to the Dutch Institute of Psychologists, burnout does not necessarily have to be included in the handbook for psychologists. The advantage is that burnouts may then be more easily recognized. The biggest disadvantage that Vrooland has in return is that the problem lies with one person. He emphasizes once again: “Many people would not have had a burnout if they had been better taken care of at the front.”
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