ESTRESSE OCUPACIONAL: SEUS IMPACTOS NA SAÚDE MENTAL DOS PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE

Occupational stress is a critical determinant of the mental health of professionals in all fields, with occupational burnout syndrome representing a serious and prevalent consequence, especially for those working in healthcare. The demanding nature of caregiving, coupled with often precarious working conditions and the need to make complex, emotionally charged decisions involving another human being, requires a critical analysis of this phenomenon. To analyze the relationship between working conditions and occupational burnout among healthcare professionals, identifying its main determinants, impacts, and coping strategies discussed in recent literature. A narrative literature review of a qualitative nature was conducted. The search was carried out in national and international databases (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed), using the descriptors "occupational burnout," "mental health," "healthcare professionals," and "self-care." Twelve scientific articles, published between 2021 and 2025, in Portuguese, Spanish, or English, were selected. A direct relationship was identified between adverse working conditions and the high prevalence of occupational burnout. The main risk factors include overload and long working hours, scarcity of material and human resources, exposure to trauma, lack of appreciation and managerial support, and interpersonal conflicts. The central manifestations of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low professional accomplishment—are frequently associated with disorders such as anxiety and depression. The review points to the inadequacy of strategies focused solely on the individual, highlighting the primary need for organizational interventions. Addressing occupational burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals requires a comprehensive and multi-level approach. It is concluded that it is necessary to combine institutional interventions, such as improved working conditions, structural psychological support, and humanized management policies, with the promotion of supported self-care. Protecting the mental health of these workers is fundamental not only for their individual well-being but also for the quality and sustainability of health services.