What does burnout feel like?
People experience burnout in different ways, but it’s useful to be aware of the common signs, especially if you’ve been feeling this way for a while.
You might feel:
You might feel:
isolated and trapped
- irritable
- a lack of your usual energy or motivation
- less satisfied with work
- exhausted or drained
- a sense of procrastination
- disengaged from work you used to value
- you’re not sleeping like you usually do
- headaches and body pain
- a feeling of building stress that won’t go away.
You might even find it hard to function at all. This can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing. There are things you can do to help you manage.
What causes burnout at work?
There are many different factors that can contribute to burnout.
- Bullying, harassment and other poor workplace behaviours, which cause significant work-related stress for those affected.
- Excessive or prolonged stressor related to workload, lack of support, unclear job expectations, and poor working conditions.
- Mental health conditions can increase vulnerability to burnout, as normal levels of stress become overwhelming due to poor emotional health.
- Burnout can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
No matter what kind of work you do, the risk of stress and burnout exists. That risk is greater if you work in a caring industry such as healthcare, emergency services or education.
Reach out for support
Visit the Beyond Blue Forums
You can chat anonymously online with others who are going through a similar experience.
Learn how to get mental health support
If you’re concerned about your mental health, support is available.
How to manage burnout and balance work and life
10 tips for avoiding burnout at work
Take regular breaks throughout the workday to recharge.
