‘Burnout’ is a word we hear bandied about a lot, but what does it actually mean? Put simply, burnout is the mental or physical collapse you experience when you’re overworked and stressed, and it can be deeply debilitating. Many of us are very bad at putting ourselves first and taking care of our own needs, worried that we will ‘let people down’ or look unprofessional if we ask for help or time off to recharge.
It’s important you recognise when burnout might be imminent, so you can take action to avoid a complete mental or physical breakdown. Here are some of the signs that you might be on the verge of burnout.
Exhaustion and disrupted sleep
You may find yourself suffering from insomnia, or struggling to fall and stay asleep. This can lead to physical feelings of constant tiredness which may affect other areas of your life.
Poor concentration and memory
Struggling to focus or forgetting things can also be symptoms of burnout. You may find it difficult to even think about beginning a new task, or simply start forgetting appointments and responsibilities you once managed so easily.
Increasing anger and anxiety
Partly due to exhaustion, you might find you have a shorter fuse than normal, which may result in you taking those feelings out on colleagues or friends and family. You may also find your anxiety levels increase so that things you once found normal start to look overwhelming and scary.
Decreased enjoyment and rising apathy
If you no longer take pleasure in things you once enjoyed, it may be due to the onset of burnout. There could also be feelings of disconnectedness and apathy, a sense that you ‘just can’t be bothered’ with anything.
Physical symptoms
Burnout can manifest itself in physical symptoms such as tension headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath. You should always speak to your GP if you’re concerned about physical symptoms.
What can you do to get help?
Your first port of call should always be your manager, and it’s not a sign of weakness to tell them you’re overworked and struggling with stress. Many people will also want the psychological support of a therapist, who can help them through what can be an incredibly difficult period. With the right support, you can recover and feel like your old self again.
