Burnout: signs and recovery

Burnout is exhaustion caused by prolonged, unmanaged stress - usually at work. It is not a personal failing; it is a signal that the load has outstripped your recovery for too long.

The three signs

• Exhaustion - drained, no energy, running on empty
• Cynicism / detachment - going numb, negative or distant about work
• Reduced effectiveness - feeling you can't do your job well no matter what

Common drivers

Chronic overload, little control, unfairness, poor support, unclear roles, and no recovery time. It builds slowly, which is why people miss it.

What helps

• Recover deliberately - real breaks, sleep, time off screens and work
• Set boundaries - protect off-hours; one clear "no" a week
• Reconnect to meaning - and to people who refuel you
• Address the source - talk to your manager about workload and control
• Get support - a counsellor helps you recover and prevent relapse

When to reach out

If exhaustion, dread or hopelessness persist, or you are coping with alcohol, please talk to someone - burnout can slide into depression.

Getting help in South Africa

Your EAP / Cleared Mind counsellors, or SADAG 011 234 4837.