What Is Burnout? Understanding the Signs, Causes and Recovery
- Olivia Barber
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
If you have ever felt completely drained, detached, and unable to keep going, you may be experiencing burnout. But what exactly is burnout, and how can you tell if it is happening to you?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It develops when you have been giving more energy than you have to spare for a long period of time. Over time, this can leave you feeling empty, hopeless, and disconnected from the things that once mattered most.
What Are the Main Signs of Burnout?
Burnout develops gradually, and many people do not recognise it until it becomes severe. The main signs and symptoms of burnout include:
Emotional exhaustion
You may feel constantly tired, even after rest. Simple tasks can feel overwhelming, and motivation may be difficult to find.
Detachment or cynicism
You might feel numb or distant from your work, family, or relationships. It can seem as if you are running on autopilot, without emotional connection.
Reduced sense of accomplishment
You may experience self-doubt and feel that nothing you do is good enough, or that your efforts do not make a difference.
If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone. Burnout is increasingly common, especially among people who care deeply about their work or the wellbeing of others.
Common Causes of Burnout
Burnout does not appear suddenly. It is usually the result of ongoing stress without enough recovery time. Common causes include:
Heavy workloads or unrealistic expectations
Feeling pressure to always be available
Lack of support or recognition
Overcompensating to feel “good enough”
Blurred boundaries between work and personal life
Perfectionism or people-pleasing tendencies
Caring for others while neglecting your own wellbeing
Many people reach burnout not because they do not care, but because they have cared for too long without replenishing themselves.
Stress and Burnout: What Is the Difference?
It is easy to confuse stress with burnout, but they are not the same.
Stress often involves too much. There are too many pressures and too many demands. Burnout, on the other hand, involves not enough. There is not enough energy, motivation, or inner strength left to give.
You can often recover from short-term stress with rest or time off. Burnout, however, usually requires a deeper emotional and lifestyle reset.
How to Recover From Burnout
Recovering from burnout takes time, patience, and self-compassion. It is not about pushing through. It is about slowing down and allowing yourself space to heal.
Here are a few steps that can help with burnout recovery:
Rest and restore
Prioritise sleep, relaxation, and activities that calm your mind and body.
Set healthy boundaries
Learn to say no, delegate where possible, and ask for help when you need it.
Reconnect with meaning
Spend time doing things that bring joy, purpose, or a sense of fulfilment beyond your work.
Seek support
Talking to a counsellor can help you understand the root causes of burnout and develop practical strategies for recovery and balance.
A Final Thought on Burnout
If you recognise yourself in these signs, remember that burnout is not a sign of weakness. It is a message from your body and mind that something needs care and change.
Recovery is possible. With the right support, rest, and boundaries, you can regain your energy, rebuild your confidence, and reconnect with yourself again.
If you are struggling with burnout, counselling can help you explore what led to it and create a plan for sustainable recovery. If you live in the UK, feel free to get in touch to book a free telephone consultation. You do not have to face it alone.