How to Recognise and Manage Burnout: A Guide to Protecting Your Mental Health 

The world mental health theme for 2024 is ‘Workplace Mental health’. The theme addresses the significance of good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of organisations, communities and individuals.    

In our busy world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Between work, family, and personal commitments, stress can pile up until we’re physically and emotionally drained. This feeling is often referred to as ‘Burnout’, a state of chronic stress that can have serious consequences for our mental and physical health. 

But how can you tell if what you’re experiencing is burnout, and what can you do to manage it before it becomes too overwhelming? At Livewell we can explore how to recognise burnout and work with simple strategies for coping with it. 

Signs of Burnout 

Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day. It’s a prolonged period of stress that can manifest in several ways. Common signs of burnout include:  

Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally distant. Even small tasks may feel insurmountable.  

Reduced Performance: Difficulty concentrating, lack of creativity, and declining productivity at work or school. You may feel like you’re not as effective as you used to be, despite putting in the same amount of effort.  

Detachment and Cynicism: A growing sense of disconnection from your job, relationships, or activities. You may feel indifferent or resentful, even towards things you once enjoyed.  

Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or a general feeling of illness can be linked to burnout. Chronic stress affects the body, not just the mind.  

Sleep Problems: Burnout can cause sleep disturbances, making it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested.   

If these signs resonate with you, you might be experiencing burnout.  If left unaddressed, burnout can lead to more serious mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Livewell can support you to take steps to recover your balance and improve your well-being.