Is There a Mental Illness?

With workloads spinning out of control and workers not always getting the support they need, it’s no wonder “burnout” has become a buzzword. Enter Christina Maslach, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and a pioneer in the field of burnout research. In this episode, she explains just what burnout means — and what it doesn’t. She reveals some hard truths about what “mental health days” can do — and what they can’t. But most importantly, she offers a way forward, laying out six paths to a healthy workplace. Drawing on Dr Maslach’s decades of research, we can all learn to change our work environments for the better.

Mind-Body Links

• We weren’t kidding when we called her “burnout royalty.” See Dr Maslach’s full credentials, accomplishments and awards. 
   
• Geek out with host Jaclyn Byrer on the research methods behind the full Maslach Burnout Inventory.
   
• Feeling stressed or frustrated? Check out this article to learn how exercise can help.