Burnout
The exhaustion that builds when stress goes unmanaged for too long.
What it is
Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that builds up gradually from prolonged, unrelieved stress — most often work, but caregiving and other sustained pressures can cause it too. It's different from ordinary tiredness: rest alone doesn't fix it.
Common signs
- Feeling drained even after time off
- Growing cynicism, detachment, or irritability about responsibilities you used to care about
- A drop in your own sense of effectiveness or accomplishment
- Physical symptoms — headaches, sleep trouble, getting sick more often
- Dreading tasks that didn't used to bother you
Good to know
Burnout is frequently a sign that the demands placed on someone have outpaced the support and control they have over their situation — it isn't simply a personal failure to cope better.
What helps
Recovery usually needs change at the structural level (workload, boundaries, time off) alongside the personal level (rest, connection, sometimes counselling). An Employee Assistance Program, where available, is a good first stop since it's free and confidential.
When to seek help
If exhaustion has lasted weeks and rest isn't touching it, or it's started affecting your health or relationships, treat it as seriously as any other depleted resource — talk to a doctor or counsellor.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.