Overview
Burnout is the state of physical and emotional exhaustion that follows prolonged, unrelieved stress — common with demanding jobs, financial pressure and caring responsibilities. You feel drained, detached and ineffective, and the body protests with headaches, poor sleep and frequent illness. It is reversible with deliberate changes and support.
Symptoms
- Constant exhaustion not relieved by rest
- Feeling detached, cynical or dreading work
- Reduced performance and concentration
- Irritability and short temper
- Frequent headaches or body tension
- Poor sleep
- Getting ill more often
Causes & risk factors
- Prolonged work overload without recovery
- Financial pressure and job insecurity
- Caring for family members without support
- Perfectionism and inability to switch off
- Lack of control over one's workload
Treatment & self-care
Recovery requires real rest and boundaries — protected time off, realistic workloads, delegation and saying no — alongside exercise, sleep and social connection. A psychologist can help untangle the drivers and rebuild sustainably. Persistent symptoms should be checked, since burnout overlaps with depression and medical conditions like anaemia and thyroid disease.
See a doctor urgently if
- Exhaustion persisting despite adequate rest
- Low mood, hopelessness or loss of interest in everything
- Physical symptoms — chest tightness, dizziness, persistent headaches
- Relying on alcohol, sedatives or stimulants to cope