Burnout has been described as “a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion marked by physical depletion and chronic fatigue, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and by development of a negative self-concept and negative attitude toward work, life, and other people.”

Missionaries don’t have to be convinced that they are in a very stress-filled vocation. There are many reasons why a missionary begins to question his/her call to ministry, such as the disparity between idealistic expectations and hard reality.

WHAT ARE CAUSES OF BURNOUT?

• workaholism

• feeling undertrained and overwhelmed

• dealing with problems and conflict on a regular basis

• dealing with self-image

• being too serious in life

• expecting more outflow than intake

• feeling underpaid and underappreciated

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT?

The following signs may be present:

1. Decreased energy and increasing difficulty in “keeping up to speed” with all that’s going on

2. Feelings of failure in vocation and questioning the call to ministry

3. Reduced sense of reward in return for giving so much to the ministry

4. A sense of helplessness and inability to see a way out of problems

5. Cynicism and negativism about self, others, work, and the world in general

SUGGESTIONS

Here are just a few suggestions on how to bring prevention and cure into the equation.

1) Find fresh, unique spiritual disciplines.

Have you always had your quiet time the same way? Why not shake it up a bit and restructure the time you spend with the Lord. For instance, one day you might write down a verse or two and take them with you on a walk, meditating on their meaning. Perhaps another day you might worship Him in song. On yet another day, you might memorize a passage of Scripture that will minister to you throughout the day. And how about just walking and talking to the Savior? I think the Apostle Paul did plenty of that!

2) Take regular time for yourself.

Without regular times of refreshment and renewal, you will find yourself on the fast track to burnout. Are you taking your days off throughout the weeks and months? Or do you work on those days because, after all, you feel like you have a lot of energy (and besides, people need you!). Take time away from your community and get a fresh view of life. Do you have a quarterly time to get away for a few days to study, pray, sleep, and refocus?

3) Get plenty of sleep and exercise.

Walking is good if you don’t like to run or can’t because of physical limitations. Tennis, golf, racquetball, and other sports are good, too, to keep the heart healthy! Also, eat healthy and stay away from heavy meals or desserts late at night.

4) Rest and relax.

Take some deep breaths. Think about something other than ministry. Believe it or not, the ministry will still be there when you refocus! Sit in silence daily. Allow your body to release the tension that has gathered because of all the “stuff” going on in your life.

5) Be accountable.

Join other missionaries to pray and play. Who else can understand you as well as another missionary? Get away and do something fun (it’s really not a sin!)

6) Begin to think in different ways.

What are your goals? Are they reasonable? Or are you trying to be the super-woman? Learn to set healthy boundaries. When you want to say “no,” say “no.” When you really want to say “yes,” say “yes.” Be flexible. Change areas in your life where you need to. Be a growing person.

7) Do something weekly that is totally different than ministry.

Start a hobby, build something, write a novel, visit a new neighborhood. Do nothing.

Today is a good time to begin implementing some of these changes in your life. You will be glad you did and so will your family and ministry flock. If you sense your outlook on life and ministry are not improving, don’t be afraid to seek out a professional Christian therapist who can help you.

QUESTION: Is it BURNOUT or STRESS?

Dr. Archibald Hart shares the following differences between burnout and stress:

"Burnout” is a defense characterized by disengagement.

“Stress” is characterized by over-engagement.

In “burnout,” the emotions become blunted.

In “stress,” the emotions become over-reactive.

The exhaustion of “burnout” affects motivation and drive.

The exhaustion of “stress” affects physical energy.

“Burnout” produces demoralization.

“Stress” produces disintegration.

“Burnout” can best be understood as a loss of fuel and energy.

The depression of “stress” is produced by the body’s need to protect itself and conserve energy.

“Burnout” produces a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.

“Stress” produces a sense of urgency and hyperactivity.

“Burnout” may never kill you, but your long life may not seem worth living.

“Stress” may kill you prematurely, and you won’t have enough time to finish what you started.

Recommended Resources:

Cloud, Henry and John Townsend. Boundaries. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.

Hart, Archibald, The Hidden Link Between Adrenaline & Stress. Waco, Texas, Word Publishing, 1986

Written by Rev. Ron McLain