Psychologist warns of increase in number of cases of people with Burnout Syndrome in Cape Verde

Jacob Vicente gave Inforpress an overview of the care provided to people at this institution in 2024, indicating that in that year this disease was at the top of the mental illnesses most diagnosed at CAP.

Burnout Syndrome, also known as professional burnout syndrome, he explained, is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, especially in the work environment.

Excessive workload, challenging work dynamics, lack of recognition and work-life balance, toxic work environment, personal problems are factors that can cause this phenomenon.

Regarding symptoms, he highlighted the problem of anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and insecurity, sleep problems, isolation, headaches and muscle pain, among other symptoms.

The problem of excessive alcohol consumption, depression, self-harm among young people, anxiety, are also other mental health illnesses that were diagnosed in this service last year.

The specialist said that the institution has treated more than three thousand patients nationwide and some who also live in the diaspora, considering that the different mental health illnesses in the country are "worrying", especially depression, anxiety and Burnout Syndrome.

This person in charge made it known that another case that has attracted a lot of attention and concern from specialists at this center is the increase in cases of adolescents who are at the beginning and end of high school who engage in self-harm, highlighting that they have treated more than 30 young people.

Therefore, it draws the attention of parents and guardians to be more attentive to the behavior of adolescents and young people in this age group, pointing out some examples, such as isolation and when they wear many pieces of clothing, even when it is very hot, among other signs.

Jacob Vicente believes there are even more cases of people who have mental health issues but are not diagnosed.

“Many people do not have the financial means to attend consultations and then undergo treatment for depression, for example, which requires many sessions until the patient finishes the treatment,” he explained.

In this regard, he stressed that it is necessary for the Government to allow psychology consultations in the private sector to be covered by the National Institute of Social Security (INPS) so that workers who cannot afford to pay for a clinic can attend therapy sessions when diagnosed with a mental health illness.

“The Government should contribute to ensuring that workers have psychological support. We need to provide access to mental health care,” he stressed, also calling on the Government to start reacting to this issue with a different type of approach, with a more practical and scientific approach and without “guesswork”.

Finally, he recommended that people seek help from a health professional whenever they face a mental problem, cultivate healthy eating habits, get regular sleep, avoid drinking alcohol and other illicit drugs and always practice physical activities.

Inforpress/End