What is Burnout?
Burnout isn't laziness — it's what happens when chronic stress depletes your emotional, physical, and mental resources. It's especially common in high-pressure work and caregiving roles.
Signs of burnout
- •Exhaustion that rest doesn't fix
- •Cynicism or detachment from work
- •Reduced sense of accomplishment
- •Irritability and brain fog
- •Getting sick more often
- •Neglecting personal needs
Burnout vs. depression
They overlap significantly. Burnout is often tied to work or caregiving demands; depression is broader. Many people experience both. If symptoms persist after reducing stressors, depression may also be present.
Recovery starts with boundaries
Burnout recovery requires real rest, not just a weekend off. That might mean saying no, delegating, taking leave, or renegotiating expectations — hard steps that are still necessary.
Myths vs. facts
Burnout means you're not tough enough
Burnout is an occupational phenomenon recognized by the WHO — it's a response to chronic stress, not a character flaw.
A vacation will fix it
Short breaks help temporarily, but burnout needs sustained changes to workload, boundaries, and recovery habits.
Free tools for you
This site is not a substitute for professional mental health care.