I really feel sorry for your colleague. I've seen people like that. You know, burnout didn't take place suddenly. It's a cumulative stress from work over time. It is a syndrome conceptualized from chronic workplace stress that is not properly managed. It occurs when one feel, emotionally drained, and unable to meet up with tasks. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. You really did well by noticing that she couldn't successfully handle a minor task. That's one of the signs. It reduces productivity, saps energy and makes one feel hopeless, and sometimes resentful. It makes one begin to have a sense of failure and self doubt.
In other to tackle burnout, one must notice it at it's early stage. That is when it can be well tackled. One must not try to manage burnout alone. Seeking help from people around can go a long way in helping matters. For example, she could probably ask others, the strategies they are using to meet up with their tasks, and try doing the same. Taking enough rest/sleep is also very important, and one more important thing is to have the mindset of not allowing any work to undermine ones health, because it doesn't worth it. Work span is longer than man's life span, so having the right mindset towards work is key. You can help your colleague by not leaving her alone. Tell her to plan and prepare, get good rest, go for workout, take time off when stressed, get organized, and always lean on colleagues for support when needed. Thanks for this. Hope this epistle helps. Gracias.
RE: (EN-PT) Talk-It-Out: Burnout!