Are You Experiencing Burnout? Understanding, Preventing, and Recovering

Most of us know what stress feels like — racing thoughts, tight shoulders, trouble sleeping. But burnout goes a step further. It’s more than just “having a lot on your plate.”

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by ongoing stress and overwhelm. It can leave you feeling drained, hopeless, and disconnected from the things that usually matter to you.

The good news? Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s your mind and body’s way of signalling that something needs to change — and with support, recovery is absolutely possible.

Signs & Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout usually creeps in gradually. Here are some common signs:

Physical

• Feeling tired or drained most of the time

• Frequent headaches, muscle pain, or lowered immunity

• Changes in appetite or sleep

Emotional

• Feeling helpless, trapped, or defeated

• Loss of motivation or sense of accomplishment

• Growing cynicism or detachment

Behavioural

• Withdrawing from responsibilities or isolating yourself

• Procrastination or struggling to focus

• Irritability, snapping at others, or relying on food/alcohol to cope

Stress vs. Burnout

It can help to understand the difference:

• Stress is about too much — too many demands, too many pressures. You may feel frantic, but you still imagine that if you can “just get on top of it all,” you’ll be okay.

• Burnout is about not enough — feeling empty, beyond caring, and unable to see how things could improve.

Common Causes of Burnout

Burnout often comes from a mix of factors:

Work-Related: Lack of control, unclear expectations, high pressure, or monotonous tasks. Lifestyle: Too many responsibilities, little downtime, lack of supportive relationships, or poor sleep.

Personality Traits: Perfectionism, pessimism, or a need for control can add extra weight.

Recovering From Burnout

Burnout won’t go away by pushing through — it requires rest, recalibration, and often, support. Here are some steps that can help:

• Rest & recharge — listen to your body and give yourself permission to pause.

• Prioritise self-care — nourishing food, gentle movement, quality sleep.

• Reconnect with support — loved ones, trusted friends, or a counsellor.

• Set boundaries — say no when you need to, and protect time for yourself.

• Reframe & reset — shift perspective on work or responsibilities where possible.

• Seek help early — counselling can provide tools, clarity, and strategies for recovery.

When to Seek Support

If you notice burnout is affecting your relationships, your health, or your ability to manage daily life, it may be time to reach out for professional support. Counselling provides a safe space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and find practical ways forward.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Support is here.

Resource: “Am I Experiencing Burnout?”

Tick any that apply to you in the past few weeks:

☐ I feel physically drained most of the time

☐ I’ve been getting sick more often than usual

☐ I struggle to feel motivated, even for things I usually enjoy

☐ I’ve felt more cynical, resentful, or detached

☐ I’ve been withdrawing from people or responsibilities

☐ I’ve noticed myself procrastinating or zoning out often

☐ I’ve been relying on food, alcohol, or other habits to cope

☐ I feel hopeless about things improving

If you’ve ticked several boxes, it may be a sign that burnout is impacting you. Consider reaching out for support to help you recover and rebuild balance.

Burnout can feel isolating, but it’s not a personal weakness — it’s a human response to prolonged stress and imbalance. Recognising the signs is the first step toward healing, and every small action you take to rest, reconnect, and reset matters.

If you’re finding it hard to recover on your own, know that reaching out for support is a strength, not a failure. Our team is here to walk alongside you, helping you find clarity, restore your energy, and rebuild balance in your life.

You deserve to feel well, connected, and supported — and it’s possible to get there.