Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overworked. It’s a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress that often happens when you're pushing yourself too hard for too long without adequate rest or support, whether that’s in your job, school, family life, or even personal expectations. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or disconnected from your work or daily life, you might be experiencing burnout.
Burnout doesn't happen overnight—it's a gradual process, but its effects can be overwhelming and can impact every area of your life. If left unaddressed for too long, burnout may lead to chronic health issues, anxiety, or depression. Learning to identify the signs early on, how to address it, and where to get adequate support is an important first step in managing burnout.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Burnout
The symptoms of burnout may be subtle at first and they can manifest slightly differently for everyone, but here are some common signs to look out for:
- Physical Signs: constant tiredness or exhaustion, frequent headaches or digestive issues, difficulty sleeping or changes to your appetite
- Emotional Signs: Feeling anxious, irritable or on edge, a lack of motivation or enthusiasm for things you used to enjoy, or feeling detached or isolated from others
- Behavioural Signs: Procrastinating or having trouble completing tasks, withdrawing from social situations or responsibilities, or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or overeating
Questions to Ask Yourself
It’s important to remember burnout is not a weakness - it’s a sign that your mind and body are under too much stress and need attention. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, regularly check in with yourself with the following questions:
- Do I feel constantly tired, even when I’ve had time to rest?
- Am I feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about my workload or responsibilities?
- Do I find it hard to enjoy things that used to make me happy?
- Am I withdrawing from friends or avoiding my responsibilities?
- Am I relying on alcohol, medication or other substances to help myself relax or cope?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, you might be experiencing burnout.
We’re here to help
It’s important to remember that burnout is treatable, and you don’t have to wait until things get worse to reach out for help. Ask your GP today about burnout and they can guide you on the right path to receiving the support you need.
A psychologist can help by:
- Offering practical strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout
- Helping you understand the causes of your burnout
- Supporting you in creating healthier boundaries between work and personal life
- Providing guidance on improving your well-being and life satisfaction
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help you manage stress and get you on the way to feeling more like yourself again.
