Work Burnout

1) What it is

Burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term stress without recovery. It often includes cynicism, detachment, and reduced capacity.

2) What it feels like

• “I’m completely drained.”
• “I can’t care anymore.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• exhaustion unrelieved by rest
• emotional numbness or irritability
• brain fog
• low motivation
• anxiety or low mood
• sleep problems

4) Why it happens

• chronic overload
• high responsibility
• poor boundaries
• lack of support
• caring + work combined

5) Triggers

• constant demands
• no recovery time

6) What helps now

• reduce load urgently
• minimum viable routine
• energy budgeting
• nervous system recovery
• micro wins only

7) Daily self-help support

• rest planning
• gentle structure

8) Professional treatment options

• GP support
• CBT or stress counselling
• work adjustments or sick leave

9) Medication

Medication may help secondary anxiety or depression, GP-led.

10) Practical tips

• burnout needs rest, not effort

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if functioning collapses or mental health deteriorates rapidly.

12) Where to get help (UK)

• GP
• NHS Talking Therapies
• Mind

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