Did burnout exist in society history?

When I think about all the historical struggles in society, I wonder if individuals experienced burnout symptoms? Were individuals who were labeled as “being lazy”, “unfit”, “unloyal”, “unappreciative”, “ungrateful”, “whining”, “a complainer”, “not prepared”, or “not a team player” in need of empathy and kindness from others. There are several situations in society past and present that could assist with developing burnout symptoms in individuals like military wars and struggles, out of town salesmen/women positions, lack of equal rights and equal pay for women, domestic violence and absentee figures in families, oppression of races of color and lower income (includes lack of education opportunities, racial discrimination/segregation, financial depression, inflation, and recession), and “being seen not heard” among families, friends, and in the work environment.

The American Psychological Association, APA, definition of Burnout is a physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes toward oneself and others. It results from performing at a high level until stress and tension, especially from extreme and prolonged physical or mental exertion or an overburdening workload, take their toll. The word was first used in this sense in 1975 in the United States.

I think that burnout existed for centuries. I feel recently society has disregarded the need for empathy and kindness toward each other labeling these strengths as “weaknesses”. I can remember a time in society past when mannerisms of saying “excuse me”, “please”, and “thank you” were taught in the parental home and in the educational system. I remember the times in society past when a “village” structure existed in the neighborhoods, schools, and residential areas among neighbors and friends; where empathy and kindness is a mandatory strength requirement to help reduce burnout symptoms in parents struggling to provide. After the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down it appears that the millennial generations and generation Z are not going to repeat the same poor behaviors or stay silent about poor behaviors by others.

See something, say something! Your opinion matters, your emotions and feelings matter! Start displaying kindness by using the mannerisms of “excuse me”, “please”, and “thank you” to help reduce societal burn out.