What is Burnout?

Burnout is a feeling of extreme exhaustion that can impact people physically, emotionally and behaviourally.

While burnout is most associated with workplace stress of different forms, it can also come from other sources of prolonged and excessive stress, such as the home or personal relationships.

Causes of Burnout

Burnout can be caused by many forms of physical, emotional and mental stress that occur at high levels over a long period of time.

Some examples of typical scenarios that lead to burnout include:

• Being faced with challenging workloads, especially if the tasks involved are monotonous or draining.
• Feeling as though you lack control in some or all areas of life, which often involves feeling inundated or like you’re taking on too many tasks at once.
• Feeling undervalued or underappreciated in the roles you perform.
• Not getting enough support or recognition at work or in relationships.
• Having different values and expectations to work colleagues, friends, or family members.
• Being exposed to toxic environments with discrimination, harassment, or abuse.

Common Symptoms of Burnout

People who are suffering from burnout usually describe feeling “run down” and unable to cope, with some more specific symptoms including:

• Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns.
• Illness, fatigue or frequent aches/pains, e.g. high blood pressure, headaches, stomach problems.
• Exaggerated feelings of helplessness, failure, or self-doubt.
• Lack of motivation or satisfaction in work or regular activities.
• Feelings of detachment or isolation.
• Irritability, frustration, or uncharacteristic outbursts.

Treatment for Burnout

Psychological support may be helpful to treat your symptoms of burnout. Our preferred therapeutic approach when treating burnout – and other psychological conditions such as workplace stress – is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT plays a key role in helping people to better deal with the range of symptoms associated with burnout. ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy which supports people to change how they experience their thoughts and emotions. ACT also supports people to make changes in their lives which are in line with their personal values.

Treatment Options

At XXXXXX, we have experience in the following therapy types:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure Therapy and Prolonged Exposure
• Motivational Interviewing

Face-to-face or online appointments for treatment of burnout can be booked at our XXXXXX city clinic.