ABSTRACT
This chapter explores work-related stress that is caused by emotional situations. It also explores how chronic work-related stress can lead to burnout syndrome, a state of total exhaustion. The signs are described that point to burnout, the burnout syndrome is explained as well as the risk factors for developing burnout. The chapter discusses how emotional job stress can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. The concept of 'stress' is sometimes used to describe a source of tension and sometimes even to indicate the consequences of that tension. Health care professionals may find it emotionally upsetting to be confronted with human suffering. Job stress can become traumatic when it involves acute exposure to traumatic experiences. The nature of the caring professions and rescue jobs, such as nursing staff, doctors, social workers, police officers and firefighters, involves an increased risk of burnout. Health care and rescue workers regularly face situations involving human suffering.
