Unobravo, the website where one can contact a psychotherapist to begin a course of therapy online, analyzed the Italian situation regarding work-related stress. In Lombardy and Milan, data show an increase in reports of work stress and psychological problems related to the professional context. Lombardy accounts for 27 percent of psychological support requests in Italy, with Milan as the province with the highest number of reports, accounting for 13.2 percent of the national total. This phenomenon reflects a larger trend in northern Italy, where 60 percent of requests for help are concentrated.
The main causes of stress include difficulties in balancing work and personal life, excessive workloads, hostile work environments and bullying. If not addressed, these issues can lead to burnout syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, demotivation, and physical and psychological problems. Half of all requests for support come from young people in the early stage of their careers, highlighting a particular vulnerability among younger workers.
Burnout risk, what is it?
Burnout syndrome is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress, often related to the work environment. This phenomenon is not limited to a specific industry or age group, and can affect anyone who is subjected to persistent stress at work.
The symptoms of burnout are:
- emotional (irritability, decreased motivation, feeling of inadequacy, lack of interest in work, anxiety and fear of change)
- physical (headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, ulcers, skin problems)
- nonspecific (excessive fatigue, apathy, decreased sex drive, sleep and appetite disturbances)
The causes of burnout can be many and include environmental and organizational factors, such as excessive workloads, poor time management, lack of support and recognition from superiors, and difficult relationships with colleagues and superiors.
In general, the importance of psychological support is crucial in addressing these problems, and Lombardy, with Milan in the foreground, emerges as a critical area for attention to psychological well-being at work.