Workplace burnout: how to spot it and take action

Workplace burnout is a worldwide problem. People all over the world are feeling exhausted, depressed, and burned out. So, what’s the reason, and what can we do about it?

Job burnout is a type of stress related to work, and it results in exhaustion, a sense of reduced accomplishment, and a loss of personal identity. Whatever is causing a person to feel burned out, the truth is that it can affect their mental health.

What are burnout symptoms?

A mental health counselor will be able to determine if what you are experiencing is burnout or something else. However, if you answer yes to any of the following questions, it is likely that, indeed, you are burned out:

Are you more critical at work than usual?
Do you have trouble starting your work every day?
Do you feel like you have to drag yourself to work?
Are you irritable or impatient with co-workers or clients?
Do you feel low in energy to be productive throughout the day?
Is it hard for you to concentrate?
Do you feel disappointed or disillusioned about your current job?
Are you using drugs, food, or alcohol to feel better?
Is there a change recently in your sleep habits?
Do you have stomach or bowel problems or unexplained headaches?

What causes burnout?

There are many possible causes of job burnout. One can be a lack of control over schedule, assignments, or workload. Also, a lack of resources to do your work properly can cause workplace burnout.

Even so, job expectations may also contribute to job burnout. If the employee is not clear about what the supervisor or others expect from them, it will cause them to feel stressed and uncomfortable.

Are there any bullies at your workplace? Or perhaps your boss loves to micromanage your work? This can also lead to stress and can contribute to workplace burnout. But, if a job is too boring or chaotic, it forces you to constantly energy to remain focused. This is why either one of these extremes can lead to fatigue.

Other contributing factors can be a lack of social support if you feel isolated at work or in your personal life. But, a very common reason is work-life imbalance. This occurs when your work takes up so much of your days that you don’t have the energy to spend time with family and friends.

Job burnout consequences

By ignoring burnout symptoms, it can lead to several consequences, such as:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Excessive stress
Alcohol or substance abuse
Sadness, irritability, or anger
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Vulnerable immune system

But the good news is that there is a solution to job burnout. A first step can be to speak to a counselor or go to online counseling. This can help you evaluate your options and how to address the situation with your boss or supervisor. Also, try to seek support from colleagues, family, and friends.

If you are already booked from Monday to Monday, it may be hard to fit in this suggestion, but try relaxing activities, such as meditation, reading, tai chi, or yoga. Or, get some exercise to help you deal better with stress.

And, last but certainly not least, get some sleep. The more you can get, the better.

At Kounsel, you can get online therapy with a psychological counselor or a licensed professional counselor (LPCC). We have hundreds of mental health professionals that can help you deal with burnout consequences and start paving the way toward a happier and healthier lifestyle. Check our app out today!