Stress und »Neurasthenie« in der altösterreichischen staatlich-politischen Verwaltung Dalmatiens im Ersten Weltkrieg

Abstract The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 posed significant administrative challenges for the Dalmatian state administration. Reports by the governor Marius Attems to the government in Vienna identified various stress factors, like excessive workload, inadequate salaries, and the loss of civil servants to military service. Other burdens included malnutrition, inflation, mobilisation tasks, refugee care, supply agendas, internal irregularities and preparations for an invasion of Entente forces. These factors substantially impacted civil servants’ health, with many experiencing symptoms similar to modern-day burnout (called »neurasthenia« then). In response, Attems implemented personnel measures to alleviate the situation, such as bringing back civil servants from the military administration, retiring those who were sick or unfit, and providing convalescent leave. Despite these challenges, the Dalmatian state administration remained functional until the end of the monarchy.