How does burnout feel?
You might feel:
isolated and trapped
- irritable
- a lack of your usual energy or motivation
- less satisfied with work
- exhausted or drained
- a sense of procrastination
- disengaged from work you used to value
- you’re not sleeping like you usually do
- headaches and body pain.
Causes of burnout
Bullying, harassment and other poor workplace behaviours can cause significant work-related stress, which can lead to anxiety, depression and suicide.
- Excessive or prolonged stressor related to workload, lack of support, unclear job expectations, and poor working conditions.
- Mental health conditions can increase vulnerability to burnout, as normal levels of stress become overwhelming due to poor emotional health.
- Burnout can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
What stress can feel like
You can experience stress at work in several different ways. The symptoms can be emotional, psychological and physical.
Feelings
- Irritable
- Overwhelmed
- Anxious
- Depressed
- Worried
- A sense of dread
- Tense
- Lonely
Thoughts
- Racing thoughts
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- An inability to feel joy
- Worsening of existing mental health issues
- Decreased concentration
- Not wanting to be around friends or family
- Dependence on alcohol or other substances
- Intrusive thoughts
Physical
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle tension or aches
- An upset stomach
- Fatigue
- Panic attacks
Ways to manage burnout
Reach out for support
Talking about what you're going through with other people might feel hard. It’s important to try. If you feel up to it, reach out to someone you trust, whether in person or by message.
You might also try chatting anonymously online with others who are going through a similar experience.
If you’re concerned about your mental health, support is available that’s right for you.
Learn how to get mental health support
Check your mental health
Everyone’s mental health journey is different. We all experience ups and downs, so it’s important to do regular check ins.
We have some simple tools to help you assess your mental health. You can choose the one that’s right for you and get the resources and support you may need.
Check your mental health
Learn more about mental health at work
Good work helps mental health and wellbeing. It can contribute to your daily activity. Your sense of purpose. Your income. And your social connection. But poor working conditions can harm your mental health.
Learn more about work and your mental health.
Around 1 in 2 people in Australia will struggle with their mental health during their life. If you’re recovering from or managing a mental health condition, work can play an important role.
