Many people experience periods where they feel tired, stressed, overwhelmed, or under pressure.
For some, these feelings improve once a difficult situation passes. For others, the effects can build over time and become more difficult to recover from.
This page explains some of the experiences commonly associated with burnout and outlines some of the support options available.
Burnout is a term often used to describe a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
It can develop when demands consistently exceed a person's capacity to rest, recover, or recharge. While burnout is commonly associated with work, it can also affect people who are managing caring responsibilities, study commitments, family pressures, health concerns, or multiple competing demands.
Burnout can affect people in different ways. Some may notice changes gradually over time, while others may experience a more significant shift in their energy, motivation, concentration, or overall wellbeing.
Experiencing some of these signs does not necessarily mean you are experiencing burnout. However, if they are persistent, distressing, or beginning to affect daily life, it may be helpful to explore additional support.
If several of the experiences on this page feel familiar, you may wish to explore additional support.
For some people, this starts with a conversation with their GP. Others may choose to access NHS services, community support, workplace support programmes, or speak with trusted friends or family members.
Some people also choose to work with a therapist to better understand what they are experiencing and explore ways of moving forward.
The right approach will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Many people choose to speak with a therapist when stress, pressure, or exhaustion begin to affect their wellbeing, relationships, confidence, or day-to-day life.
Therapy can provide a confidential space to explore what may be contributing to burnout, understand its impact, and consider ways of moving forward.
Different therapists work in different ways. Finding a therapist who feels right for you can be an important part of the process.
If you would like to explore therapy, Mindtend allows you to browse verified therapists and choose someone who feels right for you.
All therapists on the platform are independently qualified and personally verified before joining.
You can view therapist profiles, learn more about their experience and approach, and choose a therapist based on your own preferences.
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