Suffering From Burnout? Here Are The Signs
Imagine feeling constantly drained, as if no matter how much you rest or try to keep going, you’re still running on empty.
Things that used to excite or motivate you feel meaningless. Even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself snapping at people, forgetting things, or just not feeling like “yourself.”
This is burnout.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it’s deeper than that. It’s your body and mind telling you, “I can’t keep going like this.”
And it can happen to anyone.
Why burnout happens
Suffering burnout is like running a car engine nonstop until it overheats and stops working.
It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that happens when you’ve been under too much stress for too long without enough time to recharge.
While burnout isn’t technically a medical or mental health condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific health-related cause, and it can have a significant impact on daily life.
According to Mental Health UK, during 2023 over a third of adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure and stress, always or often.
Their survey uncovered several factors potentially contributing to burnout including poor sleep (64%), financial uncertainty and money worries (53%), poor physical health (46%), and feeling isolated (43%).
This is how burnout often sneaks up on people over time. First one thing brings stress, then another added on top, then another, and another until it’s just too much to cope with and life becomes exhausting.
The good news is that burnout isn’t permanent. With rest, support, and sometimes professional help, you can recover and feel like yourself again.
Once you identify burnout, you can begin to tackle it.
Signs of burnout
Here are some common signs of burnout to watch for:
Emotional signs
Feeling overwhelmed
A constant sense of being unable to cope or manage tasks.
Detachment or cynicism
Feeling disconnected from work or relationships, becoming cynical or negative.
Emotional numbness
A sense of apathy or lack of motivation, even about things you used to enjoy.
Irritability or frustration
Small issues feel like major annoyances, and patience runs thin.
Physical signs
Exhaustion
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Sleep problems
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested.
Frequent illness
Stress weakens the immune system, leading to colds or other illnesses.
Headaches or muscle pain
Physical tension often manifests as pain or discomfort.
Cognitive signs
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble focusing or making decisions.
Forgetfulness
Struggling to remember things, even basic tasks or appointments.
Reduced productivity
Taking longer to complete tasks or feeling ineffective.
Behavioural signs
Withdrawing
Avoiding social interactions or isolating yourself.
Procrastination
Putting off tasks, even ones you know are urgent.
Unhealthy coping mechanisms
Overeating, substance use, or other behaviours to “escape.”
Work-related signs
Loss of interest
Feeling disconnected from your work or finding it meaningless.
Performance decline
Struggling to meet expectations or complete tasks efficiently.
Avoidance
Taking more sick days or dreading work-related responsibilities.
When to seek help
If these signs resonate and you believe you might be suffering from burnout, it’s important to address them as soon as possible.
You can talk to a trusted friend or family member, or raise the issue at work if you feel work pressure is adding to your stress level.
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a signal that something needs to change.
Experiencing long-term stress and feeling under constant pressure can take its toll, and you may benefit from professional counselling to help you explore ways to reduce stress and rebuild your energy.
If you’re suffering from burnout and want some support to recover, contact me today to book a counselling session.