Spanish Medical Inspector Warns of Sisifemia: The Disease of Overwork
In a recent interview, the director of the UCAM Chair of Evaluative and Expert Medicine, Jose Manuel Vicente, spoke about a concerning trend in the workforce: the rise of sisifemia. This term refers to the physical and mental exhaustion experienced by tireless workers in high-pressure, competitive environments.
Vicente, who also serves as the head of the Disability Assessment Unit in Guipuzcoa, explained that sisifemia is not simply fatigue. It is a condition that manifests in individuals who are highly competitive and seek perfection in their work. The disease arises in activities with overwhelming mental loads and daily, non-punctual goals that require constant attention and execution capacity. Over time, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues such as skin problems, asthma, obesity, diabetes, and heart attacks.
The professions most affected by sisifemia include doctors, financial and auditing professionals, as well as those working in press and communication. The disease is also prevalent among researchers, freelancers, and high-level graduates.
This phenomenon has been fueled by a climate of job insecurity, where workers feel pressured to constantly prove their value or risk being replaced. Those who suffer from sisifemia are typically highly competitive and perfectionistic individuals, making them particularly susceptible to the effects of this condition.
As sisifemia progresses, it can lead to serious health deterioration, resulting in sick leave or permanent disability for some individuals. The impact is more than just discomfort or sleep disturbances; it can have lasting consequences for a person’s overall well-being.
Recognizing the warning signs of sisifemia is crucial to addressing the issue. Vicente emphasized the importance of taking regular breaks and disconnecting from work to avoid falling into a cycle of tension and exhaustion. However, he cautioned against the misuse of anxiolytics and stimulants, which can exacerbate the problem.
In light of the rising prevalence of mental health problems in the workplace, Vicente urged a shift away from over-reliance on medication. Instead, he recommended alternative approaches such as engaging in physical exercise and cultural activities to combat stress and anxiety.
Vicente’s warning is a wake-up call for employers and individuals alike to reevaluate the toxic culture of overwork that has become increasingly normalized. By addressing the root causes of sisifemia and prioritizing holistic well-being, both employees and organizations can work towards creating healthier, more sustainable work environments.