Living in the paradise of Phuket is one sure way of reducing stress. For those who have a stress-free lifestyle of soaking up rays and laying on the beach, all the best to you. For others, work or study-related stress can become a serious problem. Some people become so stressed that they burnout, both physically and emotionally. Some cannot get their stress under control and end it all, or are unable to break the cycle, leading to serious problems.

Burnout is extended stress, and many on the island are suffering from it. I know of many people who nearly have a heart attack at minor problems, like traffic or losing their UBC signal in the rain. Burnout develops differently in each of us, and we also respond differently. However there are several common symptoms of burnout.

If you find that you are working day after day, always looking forward to a weekend or holiday, and then find yourself working on the weekend or holiday, you're a candidate for burnout. You may also find that you procrastinate a lot, knowing you should be doing work but just not being able to motivate yourself to do it. You waste time, possibly spending lots of time on the Internet not doing anything productive, just surfing then feeling guilty. You may work until late at night and may not want to get out of bed in the morning. During the night, when you're supposed to be asleep, you are worried about your problems, searching for solutions.

Another common sign of burnout for those who work is that you may feel that no one else can do the job you are doing. You take on far too many projects, believing that you are the only person who can do the job right. You may also feel alone in the world, not spending enough time with your loved ones. You may consider that your problems cannot be solved.

Naturally there are many other indications for burnout, but if you have some of the examples above, it could be time to have a good look at yourself, your work and your lifestyle. If you are stressed, consider taking some time off and relaxing, spending quality time with loved ones. You will need to break the deadly "stressed" cycle, which will only get worse if you do not get back on track. If you cannot take a holiday, at least reduce your workload. Prioritize, reduce the demands that are placed on you, and delegate tasks to others.

If you find that you are procrastinating, wasting time and not actually doing work or study, take time out and do something different. Consider regulating your schedule. Keep weekends and holidays as special days to unwind, relax and do things you like. If you get things done, then reward yourself. Go out, be with friends or go lay on the beach. Do whatever it takes to relax for a while, and if you have not tried it, go have a relaxing massage.

Try looking at your vision in life. Reconsider it. Renew achievable goals and set targets on what you want to achieve in your lifetime with your business, work or study and, most importantly, with your loved ones and friends. If you feel stressed out, talk to people who are close to you. Don't keep things to yourself. Simply talking will get problems out into the open and stop you from bottling them up inside.

If your burnout is getting to be a serious problem, causing marital concerns, depression or even suicidal thoughts, you need professional help. Unfortunately professional help groups for foreigners are limited in Phuket, but there are groups in Bangkok that can assist.

We all suffer stress and burnout to some extent. It's a normal reaction. Most of us can manage it, but some become so focused and frustrated that they are not aware of it. Have a good look at yourself. Reflect on your life and your goals. Ask yourself if you're suffering from any form of burnout. If the answer is yes, regain control of your life.

Peter Davison is manager of international services at Phuket International Hospital. Questions or comments may be sent by email to peter@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th or by fax to 0-7621-0936.