Simply speaking, burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Often it occurs as the result of long-term stress at work, but it can equally be experienced by those who have had an emotionally draining period, for example looking after someone elderly, disabled, or a young child/child.

Some individuals, and those in certain occupations, are at a higher risk of burnout and over-exhaustion. Doctors, physicians, emergency response workers, social workers, and lawyers are some of the people who can burn out the fastest, given the nature and pressure of their day-to-day responsibilities.

Many people spend most of their days working. And, if you hate your job, dread going to work, or are emotionally affected by what happens at work, then it can take a really big toll on your life and health. In March 2021, 46% of UK workers said they felt ‘more prone to extreme levels of stress compared to the previous year, proving that there is more pressure in our workforce than ever before.

It’s worth noting here that a high-stress role doesn’t always lead to burnout. If stress is managed effectively by the individual, a balanced lifestyle can be enjoyed, as well as good health.

What are the main symptoms of burnout?

Burnout is usually accompanied by a whole host of mental and physical health symptoms, which if left untreated can make you really unwell.

One of the most common symptoms is exhaustion – feeling tired and drained most of the time, with very little energy to enjoy your usual passions or hobbies. It may also leave you feeling unable to cope with situations that you would normally be able to. Insomnia is very common too, with people finding it hard to drift off to sleep, or waking in the early hours, unable to get back to sleep as they think about all the pressures put upon them.

Physically, those with chronic stress and burnout may suffer from regular headaches, neck tension, and pain, as well as stomach and digestive issues. They may lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss, or equally, they may put on weight, using food as a comfort source to get them through the stress they are suffering.

Emotionally, those experiencing burnout often feel helpless, trapped, and defeated. They may feel guilty and that they are not strong enough to cope with their responsibilities, and they might feel very detached and lonely in the world, even if surrounded by family and colleagues.

Feeling overwhelmed is a very common emotional reaction to burnout. To the person suffering, it might seem like the weight of the world is on their shoulders, with so much responsibility and pressure burdened on them.

Why is burnout so risky?

Burnout is something that doesn’t just go away on its own. And, if the symptoms are ignored, it’s very likely you can seriously harm your physical and mental health. Not only that, but you could lose the ability to effectively meet the demands of your job, which could in turn harm others in your care.

Unfortunately, burnout is often misunderstood and stigmatised heavily. Gender and age play a role in this, with women and young people reported feeling more prone to extreme stress and pressure at work. That said, men suffering from burnout are less likely to admit their symptoms and seek help, instead choosing to try and deal with it alone. However, With men making up three-quarters of suicides in Britain it’s more important than ever to change the narrative around men’s health and face burnout head-on.

What can we do to turn things around?

The first, and most important stage of tackling burnout is to identify it and recognise that it is time for a change. Once this realisation has occurred, there is so much help available.

Talk to someone about how you are feeling – both physically and mentally. This could be a friend, partner, colleague, or Manager. Otherwise, you might prefer to talk to someone privately, for example, a therapist, who has no ties to your career or home life.

From here on, you can discuss and evaluate your options. You can voice specific concerns and unrealistic goals, and perhaps negotiate ways to off-load certain responsibilities to others. Short-term, you may also welcome help from friends and family in terms of childcare, cooking, cleaning, or other life admin tasks.

Try to find some form of relaxation to counterbalance your stress levels. Cardio workouts, yoga, meditation, massage, and walking outdoors are all activities that are proven to help counter stress and take your mind off work and responsibilities for a while.

Once you have found ways to relax and enjoy a bit of timeout, you might find that you are then able to face your issues more confidently and with a fresh approach. It may be that you can cut down your hours, switch roles, or delegate certain tasks long-term to others who don’t have as much on as you do. Usually, there is a solution that works well for everyone involved if you evaluate all options.

You may find, however, that having sought support and advice from others, a complete re-evaluation of your life is needed to rid yourself of the stress and burnout you have accumulated overthe years. It might seem drastic to be thinking of a total career change, but sometimes this is needed to be able to return to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Again, if this is something you feel might be needed, there is much support and advice available to get you through these unsettling times.

My Stress and Anxiety Relief Package is aimed at those who feel they need to address and adjust certain stressors in their lives. Using a range of therapies, I work with you to help you feel better, more confident, and able to move forward in your life in a positive way. If this is something you would like to discuss, then I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me on 07787 831 275.