Please note: This is educational content only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Burnout is a word many people use to describe a state of deep exhaustion linked with prolonged pressure, most often at work but also in caring roles, study or volunteering. In the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, burnout is described as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition, resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
That description highlights three commonly discussed dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativity or cynicism about it; and a sense of reduced professional effectiveness. People do not always experience all three equally, and the experience can vary a great deal from person to person.
Burnout is different from having a stressful week. It tends to build gradually over months or years, often when demands stay high, recovery stays low and people feel they have limited control or recognition. Many people describe it as running on empty for a long time before they realise how tired they have become.
This course is educational. It cannot tell you whether you are experiencing burnout, depression, anxiety or a physical health condition, all of which can share some features. If you are concerned about how you are feeling, a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand what is happening and what support is appropriate.
Common mistake to avoid
A common mistake is self-labelling quickly and assuming that everything you feel is burnout. Exhaustion and low mood can have many causes, including physical health issues. Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional helps make sure nothing important is missed.
Try this
Write a short paragraph describing how you have felt about work or your main responsibilities over the past few months, focusing on energy, attitude and sense of effectiveness.
Key takeaways
- Burnout is commonly linked with prolonged, unmanaged pressure
- Exhaustion, distance and reduced effectiveness are often discussed
- Only a professional can assess your individual situation