Burnout - What can we learn from the case of Max Eberl?
How do you recognize whether you are on the way to burnout? What are serious signs? Where can you get help? The case of long-time Bundesliga soccer manager Max Eberl provides many answers.
Burnout has long been dismissed as a kind of „fashionable illness“ among managers of large companies.
A big mistake, as studies such as the AOK absenteeism study 2021 proves it: 180,000 cases of burnout and 4.5 million sick days were recorded in Germany last year.
This very serious disease can affect any of us! And yet we still don't talk about it enough. As a result, we find it difficult to perceive the first signs in ourselves or those around us as dangerous, try to suppress them and are unable to take early countermeasures.
Possible causes of burnout
Both professionally and privately, the amount of work, variety of tasks and pressure to perform are constantly increasing. We are constantly pushing ourselves to the limit to cope with everything and everyone. We suppress signs of being overwhelmed, showing weakness is unthinkable and apart from that „it just won't work without me“. Pronounced perfectionism and extreme ambitions also increase the risk of falling ill. The give and take are out of balance.
At worst, this culminates in a state of deep emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. All the energy you have available physically and mentally is lost and you feel completely „burnt out“.
High time to change something!
I did that for thirteen years. And I realized last year that it took a lot of energy: this perfectionism that I have, this meticulousness that I have, this sense of responsibility. I took on all of that. And at some point I realized it was too much. That's when I realized ... [long pause] ... that it's going in the wrong direction.
Max Eberl - from managing director to burnout case
Max Eberl - Source Wikimedia / Muffutz
This experience has also Max Eberl successful and Europe-wide known sports director and co-managing director of Borussia Mönchengladbach. In a press conference (here is the link to the complete PK on YouTube), he spoke openly and emotionally about the causes and effects of his fatigue syndrome.
At his absolute breaking point, he is now pulling the emergency brake and taking responsibility for his health: by rethinking, taking time off work, taking a complete rest and having no plans for the future.
Christoph analyzes the case of Max Eberl in his video in order to draw lessons on how managers can deal with burnout.
How do I recognize burnout? Where can I get help?
The seven phases of burnout according to Prof. Matthias Burisch
There is no standard therapy for burnout, because every burnout story is very individual. But there are always certain patterns of behavior and stress that indicate burnout.
A very good first indication is provided by online tests that can be taken completely anonymously, e.g. the Burnout stress test BST or the Maslach Burnout Inventory MBI (Link opens PDF file).
If you recognize signs of burnout, it is highly advisable to get help. First of all, you should go to your family doctor, also to rule out or consider a physical illness (e.g. pain, thyroid).
The respective life situation must be addressed individually with those affected.
Reflect on your current life circumstances and stress limits, e.g. with the help of a coach. Correct unrealistic expectations of those around you or yourself and define achievable goals. In the beginning, you will not only meet with understanding for your new path. Communicate openly, learn to set boundaries and plan longer recovery phases.
Take responsibility for yourself
Only when you have recognized and accepted your illness can you develop the right strategies and the strength for your important changes and new perspectives.
YouTube timestamps
Just click on the time below to jump directly to the desired spot on YouTube - have fun watching!
00:00 Intro - About the press conference with Max Eberl
01:20 This is not a video for football fans - but for everyone
02:56 What is the cause of burnout?
05:56 Your health is your highest responsibility
07:40 The perfect time to change something
09:43 How do I know if I am at risk?
10:32 The seven phases of burnout
12:05 The first port of call for help: your family doctor
13:18 Max Eberl on the future of Max Eberl
PS: Are there any topics that you are particularly interested in that you would like me to cover in one of my upcoming videos? Feel free to write your suggestion in the comments below!
Further links
- MBI Maslach Burnout Inventory (PDF self-test to print out and complete yourself)
- BST Burnout Stress Test (Anonymous online self-test)
- Socialnet Lexicon entry on burnout syndrome (very good summary of all aspects of burnout by Prof. Matthias Burisch, August 2020)
- Article by Techniker Krankenkasse about causes, symptoms and treatment options
- AOK Absenteeism Report 2021
- Full press conference from Borussia Mönchengladbach from 28.1.2022
- Wikipedia entry about Max Eberl
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