Burnout: What is it?

Life can get stressful – it happens to the best of us as we deal with our various commitments, roles and responsibilities.

It is when we forget to take a step back and rest that burnout can occur. Burnout is considered to be a form of exhaustion that is caused by large levels of stress, often at work.

In this article, we will look at what burnout is, the causes, the symptoms, who is likely to get burnout, the risks of burnout and how to resolve the issue of burnout with some practical hints and tips.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

Although not technically medically diagnosed, it can affect your mental and physical health if it is treated or acknowledged.

“9 in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year.” – Mental Health UK.

Recognised by the World Health Organisation, burnout is viewed as an “occupational phenomenon.”

Burnout is also seen as a syndrome related to chronic workplace stress that has not been dealt with successfully.

There are believed to be three dimensions that it is characterised by:

The causes

Although it can be seen as a direct result of work-related stress, the term applies to general prolonged stress.

The following lifestyle and work factors are believed to be the main contributors:

Who is more likely to suffer from it?

There are a few groups more likely to suffer from it, according to the 2024 Burnout Report by Mental Health UK:

Women are believed to be 5% more likely to suffer from burnout than men
Adults have the highest age group with it reported
Full-time students and the unemployed tend to experience high levels of stress
Parents are more likely to be burnt out than adults without children

The symptoms

It can manifest in many ways, but the following symptoms are the most widely accepted:
You frequently feel tired or drained
You may feel helpless, trapped and/or defeated
You will have feelings of detachment and loneliness
You may have a cynical or negative outlook on life
You will likely doubt yourself
You may procrastinate or take longer to get things done
You will likely feel overwhelmed

The risks of suffering from burnout

As burnout is a chronic state of stress, people are much more likely to take sick days or even wind up at the doctor.

Healthcare workers especially are the most at risk, due to the nature of their work with over 54% of nurses and doctors reporting burnout.

Untreated effects of burnout-related stress can be depression or even physical health symptoms such as weight changes, issues with sleep, IBS and heart disease.

What can you do about burnout?

Burnout is likely to build over time and recognising the signs can be the best way to deal with it without facing any long-term effects:

Speak up – try to speak to your loved ones or those you work with, if you’re suffering from stress. A problem shared is a problem halved!
Sleep more – sleep is essential when managing stress. It supports good mental and physical health!
Take up a relaxing hobby – swimming, yoga, or walking are brilliant ways to release stress and get out in the open air.
Practice good wellbeing – practising good wellbeing helps you stay in the moment. You can identify what is causing your stress and deal with it positively.
Find support – the support of those around you is priceless. A loved one, a friend or even a co-worker can help you deal with the stressors around you. You can even look at therapy if needed.

Burnout can be extremely difficult to cope with, but thankfully, with the right treatment and support, a person can go on to live a life without extreme stress.