'I notice it when I am more easily emotional. You tend to say earlier that you have reached your limits and "that's it - I quit. And yes, looking back on those months in the field I will admit to having been emotionally different from what I am'. (Mark Bulthuis)

Burnout is a danger for those who are in the field for any length of time. It happens when the stress factors have taken over and the sport development worker no longer keeps his or her distance from the situation. They will therefore benefit from insight into what a burnout is. This will enable the recogniton of the signs by themselves and their colleagues.

Symptoms

In the Psychological Support: Community-based Psychological Support Training manual of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2002), a number of these symptoms are listed:

• Wounded ideals.
• Cynicism.
• Feeling unappreciated or betrayed by the organization.
• Loss of spirit.
• Grandiose beliefs about own importance.
• Heroic but reckless behaviour.
• Neglecting one's own safety and physical needs (not needing breaks, sleep, etc.).
• Mistrusting colleagues and supervisors.
• Antisocial behaviour.
• Excessive tiredness.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Symptoms of illness or disease.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Inefficiency.
• Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Be realistic

In preparing for their tasks, helpers must gain a realistic expectation of what they can achieve through their work. They must understand that they cannot help being affected by the work and might need somebody afterwards reviewing what they have been through and assisting them in processing reactions. The helpers, the manager and the organization must all be aware of and respect limitations, both personal and practical. To avoid burning out valuable helpers, it is the responsibility of all concerned to treat each other with compassion and respect. (Psychological Support: Community-based Psychological Support Training manual. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 2002).

Pieter van der Houwen