🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 157 (from laksa142)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa157.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516","crawl_time":1776275012,"first_indexed_time":1517967309,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellmind!www,\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516 s443","src_root_hash":"10064058272378209957","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Burnout: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, Treatment","meta_descriptions":["Learn the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, along with factors that can increase your risk. We also share several ways to prevent and recover from burnout."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nMost people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work.\nIf you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it.\nTalking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better.\nIs your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life.\nBurnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face\nprolonged stress\nthat eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.\nExcessive\nworkplace stress\nfor prolonged periods can lead to burnout.\nHowever, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges.\nSo, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few\nrecovery strategies\n.\nVerywell \/ Brianna Gilmartin\nSigns You're Burning Out\nRecognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for:\nGastrointestinal problems\nHigh blood pressure\nPoor immune function (getting sick more often)\nReoccurring\nheadaches\nSleep issues\nConcentration issues\nDepressed mood\nFeeling worthless\nLoss of interest or pleasure\nSuicidal ideation\nFatigue\nWhat Does Burnout Mean?\nBurnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic\njob stress\n. It is characterized by three main dimensions:\nexhaustion,\ncynicism (less identification with the job),\nand feelings of reduced professional ability.\nMore simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to\nhate your job\n, and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout.\nMost people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life.\nThis toll shows up via burnout symptoms.\nThe term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, \"Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement.\" Freudenberger defined burnout as \"the extinction of\nmotivation\nor incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results.\"\nSymptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout\nBurnout isn’t a\ndiagnosable psychological disorder\n, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health.\nPhysical Burnout Symptoms\nWhen you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include:\nGastrointestinal problems\nHigh blood pressure\nPoor immune function (getting sick more often)\nReoccurring\nheadaches\nSleep issues\nBecause burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout.\nChronic stress\nmay be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite.\nAll of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout.\nHealth Risks of Burnout\nChronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome.\nResearchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death.\nMental Burnout Symptoms\nBurnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout:\nConcentration issues\nDepressed mood\nFeeling worthless\nLoss of interest or pleasure\nSuicidal ideation\nBurnout vs. Depression\nBurnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression.\nDepression symptoms\nalso include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide.\nHow can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression?\nThe key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life.\nIf you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work.\nIf this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher\nrisk of developing depression\n.\nAre You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz\nTry our fast and free\nburnout quiz\nto find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout.\nThis quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS\nFactors That Put You at Risk of Burnout\nPeople who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well.\nHowever, some individuals (and those in certain occupations)\nare at a higher risk\nof having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life.\nFor instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout.\nOf course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk.\nAccording to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five\njob factors that can contribute to employee burnout\n:\nUnreasonable time pressures\n.\nEmployees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as\nparamedics and firefighters\n) are at a higher risk of burnout.\nLack of communication and support from management\n.\nManager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis.\nLack of role clarity\n.\nOnly 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing.\nUnmanageable workload\n.\nWhen the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will\nfeel hopeless\n. Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms.\nUnfair treatment\n.\nEmployees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and\nmistreatment from a co-worker\n.\nThe stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as\nperfectionism\n,\nneuroticism\n, and\npessimism\ncan contribute to the stress you feel.\nOther Causes of Burnout\nOther factors that can contribute to burnout include:\nPoor communication from your employer\nLack of clarity about your role or duties\nIntense pressure and tight deadlines\nFeeling like you have no control over your life or work\nBeing mistreated by your boss or coworkers\nExcessive workloads or expectations\nWorking too long without enough time to rest\nWork that is overly boring or stressful\nNot getting enough sleep\nLack of\nsocial support\nLack of recognition for your efforts\nPoor\nwork-life balance\nPress Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace\nHosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of\nThe Verywell Mind Podcast\n, featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now.\nSubscribe Now\n:\nApple Podcasts\n\/\nSpotify\n\/\nGoogle Podcasts\nBurnout Can Have Serious Effects\nChances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to:\nYou Might Feel Alienated From Your Work\nIndividuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to\nfeel numb\nabout your work.\nYou May Become Emotionally Exhausted\nOver time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel\nemotionally drained\nand unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life.\nYour Performance at Work Can Suffer\nBurnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves\ncaring for family members\n. Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance.\nHow to Prevent and Treat Burnout\nAlthough the term \"burnout\" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are\nfeeling burned out\n, you may need to make some changes to your work environment.\nHow to Deal With Burnout\nDiscuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor.\nExplore less stressful positions or tasks within your company.\nTake regular breaks.\nLearn meditation or other mindfulness techniques.\nEat a healthy diet.\nGet plenty of exercise.\nPractice healthy sleep habits.\nConsider taking a vacation.\nApproaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or\na new job\naltogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least\nswitch tasks\n.\nIt can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress.\nSelf-care strategies\nlike eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job.\nA vacation may offer you some\ntemporary relief\ntoo, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout.\nSocial support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience.\nIf you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment.\nTalking to a mental health professional\ncan help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Conditions A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n  - [Addiction](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/addiction-overview-4581803)\n  - [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-4157261)\n  - [ADHD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/adhd-overview-4581801)\n  - [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/anxiety-7508391)\n  - 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[Managing Stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-overview-4581770)\n  - [Meditation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/meditation-and-mindfulness-4581783)\n  - [Sleep and Dreaming](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/sleep-and-dreaming-4157166)\n  - [Understanding Emotions](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/emotions-4157165)\n  - [Self-Improvement](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/self-improvement-4157212)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n  - [Healthy Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/strengthening-relationships-4162997)\n  - [Dating](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/dating-tips-and-strategies-7511571)\n  - [Intimacy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/sex-and-relationships-7511610)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n  - [Theories](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/theories-of-psychology-4157184)\n  - [Student Resources](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/student-resources-overview-4581768)\n  - [Personality Types](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n  - [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/quizzes-8609222)\n  - [Guided Meditations](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/guided-meditations-8609227)\n  - [Verywell Mind Insights](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-data-insights-5185693)\n  - [2024 Verywell Mind 25](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-verywell-mind-25-2024-7484480)\n  - [Mental Health in the Classroom](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mental-health-in-the-classroom-survey-7569880)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n\n[More in Stress Management](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-overview-4581770)\n\n- [Effects on Health](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-effects-on-health-4157210)\n- [Management Techniques](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-techniques-overview-4581767)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-overview-4581770)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n- [Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n- [Crisis Support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/crisis-support-6666353)\n\nVerywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nHow Stress Impacts Your Health Guide\n\nHow Stress Impacts Your Health Guide\n\n- [Overview](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-health-3145086)\n- [Signs of Burnout](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516)\n- [Stress and Weight Gain](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088)\n- [Stress Reduction Tips](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195)\n- [Self-Care Practices](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729)\n- [Mindful Living](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/mindfulness-exercises-for-everyday-life-3145187)\n# How to Recognize Burnout Symptoms\nWhat to do if your physically and emotionally burned out at work\n\nBy\n\n[Elizabeth Scott, PhD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/elizabeth-scott-m-s-3144382)\n\n![Elizabeth Scott, MS]()\n\n![Elizabeth Scott, MS](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/Sv95BXFbiCSvEF9UsoKVKtPzCQc=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Elizabeth-Scott-MS-660-695e2294b1844efda01d7a29da7b64c7.jpg)\n\n[Elizabeth Scott, PhD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/elizabeth-scott-m-s-3144382)\n\nElizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.\n\nLearn about our  [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n\nUpdated on October 29, 2025\n\nReviewed\n\nVerywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494).\n\nby\n\n[Amy Morin, LCSW](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/amy-morin-4842552)\n\n![Amy Morin]()\n\n![Amy Morin](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/6w-MU4IiNC6Ybaigog3YKa3jl0w=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VW-MIND-Amy-2b338105f1ee493f94d7e333e410fa76.jpg)\n\nReviewed by [Amy Morin, LCSW](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/amy-morin-4842552)\n\nAmy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including \"13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do,\" have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, \"The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,\" is one of the most viewed talks of all time.\n\nLearn about our  [Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Definition](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-what-does-burnout-mean)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-symptoms-you-might-be-experiencing-burnout)\n- [Burnout vs. Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-burnout-vs-depression)\n- [Take the Burnout Quiz](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-are-you-feeling-burnt-out-take-the-quiz)\n- [Risk Factors](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-factors-that-put-you-at-risk-of-burnout)\n- [Effects](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-burnout-can-have-serious-effects)\n- [Prevention and Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-how-to-prevent-and-treat-burnout)\n- Next in How Stress Impacts Your Health Guide\n  [How Stress Can Cause Weight Gain](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088)\n\nClose\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Most people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work.\n- If you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it.\n- Talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better.\n\nIs your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life.\n\nBurnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face [prolonged stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/prolonged-stress-symptoms-causes-impact-and-coping-5092113) that eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.\n\nExcessive [workplace stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273) for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. However, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges.\n\nSo, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few [recovery strategies](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/burnout-recovery-and-prevention-6753704).\n\n![signs of burnout]()\n\n![signs of burnout](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/lLCDSfbkKBzEwqvTHrnu4UZr53A=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516-e343e7071b6a44b28eb25f5378c92b0a.png)\n\nVerywell \/ Brianna Gilmartin\n\n### Signs You're Burning Out\nRecognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for:\n\n- [Gastrointestinal problems](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940)\n- High blood pressure\n- Poor immune function (getting sick more often)\n- Reoccurring [headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826)\n- Sleep issues\n- Concentration issues\n- Depressed mood\n- [Feeling worthless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740)\n- Loss of interest or pleasure\n- [Suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/suicidal-ideation-380609)\n- [Fatigue](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/why-am-i-so-tired-after-work-6741246)\n## What Does Burnout Mean?\nBurnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic [job stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/i-dont-feel-like-working-today-what-to-do-6362637). It is characterized by three main dimensions:\n\n1. exhaustion,\n2. cynicism (less identification with the job),\n3. and feelings of reduced professional ability.\n\nMore simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to [hate your job](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445), and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout.\n\nMost people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms.\n\nThe term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, \"Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement.\" Freudenberger defined burnout as \"the extinction of [motivation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445) or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results.\"\n\n## Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout\nBurnout isn’t a [diagnosable psychological disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health.\n\n### Physical Burnout Symptoms\nWhen you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include:\n\n- [Gastrointestinal problems](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940)\n- High blood pressure\n- Poor immune function (getting sick more often)\n- Reoccurring [headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826)\n- Sleep issues\n\nBecause burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout.\n\n[Chronic stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/chronic-stress-3145104) may be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite. All of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout.\n\n### Health Risks of Burnout\nChronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death.\n### Mental Burnout Symptoms\nBurnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout:\n\n- Concentration issues\n- Depressed mood\n- [Feeling worthless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740)\n- Loss of interest or pleasure\n- [Suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/suicidal-ideation-380609)\n\nIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/) at **988** for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.\n\nFor more mental health resources, see our [National Helpline Database](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/national-helpline-database-4799696).\n## Burnout vs. Depression\nBurnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. [Depression symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5270926) also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide. How can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression?\n\nThe key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life.\n\nIf you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work.\n\nIf this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher [risk of developing depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056).\n\n## Are You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz\nTry our fast and free [burnout quiz](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/burnout-quiz-8609548) to find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout.\n\nThis quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS\n\n## Factors That Put You at Risk of Burnout\nPeople who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well.\n\nHowever, some individuals (and those in certain occupations) [are at a higher risk](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-polywork-lead-to-burnout-7097134) of having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life.\n\nFor instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout. Of course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk.\n\nAccording to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five [job factors that can contribute to employee burnout](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/job-factors-that-contribute-to-employee-burnout-3144512):\n\n1. **Unreasonable time pressures**.Employees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as [paramedics and firefighters](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-when-you-need-someone-to-talk-to-5089236)) are at a higher risk of burnout.\n2. **Lack of communication and support from management**.Manager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis.\n3. **Lack of role clarity**.Only 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing.\n4. **Unmanageable workload**.When the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will [feel hopeless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/9-things-to-do-if-you-feel-hopeless-5081877). Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms.\n5. **Unfair treatment**.Employees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and [mistreatment from a co-worker](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628).\n\nThe stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as [perfectionism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233), [neuroticism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-neuroticism-affects-your-behavior-4782188), and [pessimism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/is-it-safer-to-be-a-pessimist-3144874) can contribute to the stress you feel.\n\n### Other Causes of Burnout\nOther factors that can contribute to burnout include:\n\n- Poor communication from your employer\n- Lack of clarity about your role or duties\n- Intense pressure and tight deadlines\n- Feeling like you have no control over your life or work\n- Being mistreated by your boss or coworkers\n- Excessive workloads or expectations\n- Working too long without enough time to rest\n- Work that is overly boring or stressful\n- Not getting enough sleep\n- Lack of [social support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970)\n- Lack of recognition for your efforts\n- Poor [work-life balance](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683)\n\n### Press Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace\nHosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058), featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now.\n\n**Subscribe Now**: [Apple Podcasts](https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin\/id1529983509) \/ [Spotify](https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) \/ [Google Podcasts](https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw)\n\n## Burnout Can Have Serious Effects\nChances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to:\n\n### You Might Feel Alienated From Your Work\nIndividuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to [feel numb](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/emotional-numbing-symptoms-2797372) about your work.\n\n### You May Become Emotionally Exhausted\nOver time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel [emotionally drained](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-when-youre-emotionally-exhausted-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5525215) and unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life.\n\n### Your Performance at Work Can Suffer\nBurnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves [caring for family members](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/caregiver-support-caregivers-and-stress-relief-3144520). Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance.\n\n## How to Prevent and Treat Burnout\nAlthough the term \"burnout\" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are [feeling burned out](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-if-you-are-experiencing-burnout-5216152), you may need to make some changes to your work environment.\n\n### How to Deal With Burnout\n- Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor.\n- Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company.\n- Take regular breaks.\n- Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques.\n- Eat a healthy diet.\n- Get plenty of exercise.\n- Practice healthy sleep habits.\n- Consider taking a vacation.\n\nApproaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or [a new job](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-can-changing-jobs-do-for-you-5222432) altogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least [switch tasks](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130).\n\nIt can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress. [Self-care strategies](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729) like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job.\n\nA vacation may offer you some [temporary relief](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/editor-in-chief-amy-morin-reveals-her-favorite-stress-relief-products-5224586) too, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout.\n\nSocial support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience.\n\nIf you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment. [Talking to a mental health professional](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-4842306) can help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.\n\n[How to Prevent Burnout](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130)\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n- [Stress Management](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/stress-management-overview-4581770)\n\n12 Sources\n\nVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. Tileva A. [How to douse chronic workplace stress before it explodes into full burnout](https:\/\/www.shrm.org\/resourcesandtools\/hr-topics\/people-managers\/pages\/how-managers-prevent-workplace-burnout.aspx#:~:text=Workplace%20stress%20can%20cause%20mental,%2C%20can%20lead%20to%20burnout.%22). Society for Human Resource Management.\n2. Maslach C, Leiter MP. [Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry.](https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1002%2Fwps.20311) *World Psychiatry*. 2016;15(2):103–111. doi:10.1002\/wps.20311\n3. Brandstätter V, Job V, Schulze B. [Motivational incongruence and well-being at the workplace: person-job fit, job burnout, and physical symptoms](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2016.01153). *Front Psychol*. 2016;7:1153. doi:10.3389\/fpsyg.2016.01153\n4. Yale Medicine. [Chronic stress](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/stress-disorder).\n5. American Psychological Association. [Stress effects on the body](https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/stress-body).\n6. Tian F, Shen Q, Hu Y, et al. [Association of stress-related disorders with subsequent risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A population-based and sibling-controlled cohort study](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.lanepe.2022.100402). *The Lancet Regional Health - Europe*. 2022;18:100402. doi:10.1016\/j.lanepe.2022.100402\n7. Pereira H, Feher G, Tibold A, Monteiro S, Esgalhado G. [Mediating effect of burnout on the association between work-related quality of life and mental health symptoms](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/brainsci11060813). *Brain Sci*. 2021;11(6):813. doi:10.3390\/brainsci11060813\n8. Bianchi R, Schonfeld IS, Laurent E. [Burnout-depression overlap: a review.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cpr.2015.01.004) *Clin Psychol Rev.* 2015;36:28-41. doi:10.1016\/j.cpr.2015.01.004\n9. Kane L. [Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report 2019](https:\/\/www.medscape.com\/slideshow\/2019-lifestyle-burnout-depression-6011056).\n10. Wigert B, Agrawal S. [Employee burnout, Part 1: The 5 main causes](https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/237059\/employee-burnout-part-main-causes.aspx). Gallup.\n11. Wekenborg MK, Von dawans B, Hill LK, Thayer JF, Penz M, Kirschbaum C. [Examining reactivity patterns in burnout and other indicators of chronic stress](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2019.04.002). *Psychoneuroendocrinology.* 2019;106:195-205. doi:10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2019.04.002\n12. Demerouti E. [Strategies used by individuals to prevent burnout.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/eci.12494) *Eur J Clin Invest.* 2015;45(10):1106-12. doi:10.1111\/eci.12494\n\n![Elizabeth Scott, MS]()\n\n![Elizabeth Scott, MS](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/1jFMLx4HJGG77fHzvi8wpmr0V20=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Elizabeth-Scott-MS-660-695e2294b1844efda01d7a29da7b64c7.jpg)\n\nBy [Elizabeth Scott, PhD](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/elizabeth-scott-m-s-3144382)   \n Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n\n[Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an 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laptops](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/AdpC0pUVH6BafvxxtBq-9ISlbNE=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImagesAntonioGuillem-5afdcc88119fa80037fcbd43.jpg) How a Toxic Work Environment Affects Mental Health](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-a-toxic-work-environment-may-affect-mental-health-4165338)\n\n[![Woman planting flowers in her backyard]() ![Woman planting flowers in her backyard](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/VEqdJXyC5URfQgVASLvnQIlCKDg=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/182110598-56a905035f9b58b7d0f75da6.JPG) Top 10 Stress-Relieving Hobbies](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/top-stress-reliever-hobbies-3144592)\n\n[![adult daughter arguing with mother]() ![adult daughter arguing with mother](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/W26K5cULSghfqpxHufdp_dGh4A0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/iStock-1208113596-517abecf6fd1474283882b5fdeb8913c.jpg) How to Deal With Difficult Family Members](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-navigate-difficult-relationships-with-family-5120173)\n\n[![weight gain tight pants]() ![weight gain tight pants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/mbloGm08B85izJDaa14rk3naK4Q=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/weight-gain-56af365e3df78cf772c19cd0.jpg) Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/citalopram-and-weight-gain-1066818)\n\n[![VWM Photo Composite - Delayed Grief]() ![VWM Photo Composite - Delayed 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laptop](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/jhn3y8RbWUzUiWGNl-kf3GwZ-8s=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/cope-partner-chronic-illness-ec374a15453f473f96c104093721d3c3.jpg) How to Cope When Your Partner Has a Chronic Illness](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-cope-when-your-partner-has-a-chronic-health-issue-5193847)\n\n[![A beautiful woman perches on the side of an elegant red roll top bathtub, and waits for it to fill up. She wears a silky robe. Light floods through the window, backlighting the relaxing scene and giving it a dreamy vibe.]() ![A beautiful woman perches on the side of an elegant red roll top bathtub, and waits for it to fill up. She wears a silky robe. Light floods through the window, backlighting the relaxing scene and giving it a dreamy vibe.](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/2uKSo8KVAkmFBqAkMAAOVyHQi84=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1389838332-988d789284c14e7196630a9f01c6a499.jpg) 10 Easy Self-Care Strategies to Help You Manage Stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/importance-of-self-care-for-health-stress-management-3144704)\n\n[![Woman seeing a therapist for stress.]() ![Woman seeing a therapist for stress.](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/Ls5WlioZzsakpxb9wJ22PN4PXjs=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1353223720-6aa033a7c6414debbec9dbe02bdaeb63.jpg) What Is the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-the-holmes-and-rahe-stress-scale-6455916)\n\n[![Woman laying back on a couch, looking at the ceiling]() ![Woman laying back on a couch, looking at the ceiling](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/thmb\/2oc9x6E8DIH7kreLqe6-XoZp0Z8=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/rumination-thinking-CreativeRMTaraMooreGettyImages-56c01d9d3df78c0b138e8189.jpg) What Is Rumination?](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/repetitive-thoughts-emotional-processing-or-rumination-3144936)\n\n- [Conditions A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/conditions-a-z-4797402)\n- [Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/therapy-4581775)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-well-7510832)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/relationships-4157190)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychology-4157187)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/news-latest-research-and-trending-topics-4846421)\n\n- [Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/review-board-4796494)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/our-editorial-process-4778006)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [In the News](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/in-the-news-4782525)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/about-us-5184564#toc-contact-us)\n- [Crisis Support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/crisis-support-6666353)\n\nFollow Us\n\nVerywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Mind is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Most people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work.\n- If you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it.\n- Talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better.\n\nIs your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life.\n\nBurnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face [prolonged stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/prolonged-stress-symptoms-causes-impact-and-coping-5092113) that eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.\n\nExcessive [workplace stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273) for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. However, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges.\n\nSo, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few [recovery strategies](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/burnout-recovery-and-prevention-6753704).\n\nVerywell \/ Brianna Gilmartin\n\n### Signs You're Burning Out\nRecognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for:\n\n- [Gastrointestinal problems](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940)\n- High blood pressure\n- Poor immune function (getting sick more often)\n- Reoccurring [headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826)\n- Sleep issues\n- Concentration issues\n- Depressed mood\n- [Feeling worthless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740)\n- Loss of interest or pleasure\n- [Suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/suicidal-ideation-380609)\n- [Fatigue](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/why-am-i-so-tired-after-work-6741246)\n## What Does Burnout Mean?\nBurnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic [job stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/i-dont-feel-like-working-today-what-to-do-6362637). It is characterized by three main dimensions:\n\n1. exhaustion,\n2. cynicism (less identification with the job),\n3. and feelings of reduced professional ability.\n\nMore simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to [hate your job](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445), and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout.\n\nMost people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms.\n\nThe term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, \"Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement.\" Freudenberger defined burnout as \"the extinction of [motivation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445) or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results.\"\n\n## Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout\nBurnout isn’t a [diagnosable psychological disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health.\n\n### Physical Burnout Symptoms\nWhen you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include:\n\n- [Gastrointestinal problems](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940)\n- High blood pressure\n- Poor immune function (getting sick more often)\n- Reoccurring [headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826)\n- Sleep issues\n\nBecause burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout.\n\n[Chronic stress](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/chronic-stress-3145104) may be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite. All of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout.\n\n### Health Risks of Burnout\nChronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death.\n### Mental Burnout Symptoms\nBurnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout:\n\n- Concentration issues\n- Depressed mood\n- [Feeling worthless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740)\n- Loss of interest or pleasure\n- [Suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/suicidal-ideation-380609)\n## Burnout vs. Depression\nBurnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. [Depression symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5270926) also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide. How can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression?\n\nThe key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life.\n\nIf you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work.\n\nIf this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher [risk of developing depression](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056).\n\n## Are You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz\nTry our fast and free [burnout quiz](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/burnout-quiz-8609548) to find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout.\n\nThis quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS\n\n## Factors That Put You at Risk of Burnout\nPeople who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well.\n\nHowever, some individuals (and those in certain occupations) [are at a higher risk](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/does-polywork-lead-to-burnout-7097134) of having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life.\n\nFor instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout. Of course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk.\n\nAccording to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five [job factors that can contribute to employee burnout](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/job-factors-that-contribute-to-employee-burnout-3144512):\n\n1. **Unreasonable time pressures**.Employees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as [paramedics and firefighters](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-when-you-need-someone-to-talk-to-5089236)) are at a higher risk of burnout.\n2. **Lack of communication and support from management**.Manager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis.\n3. **Lack of role clarity**.Only 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing.\n4. **Unmanageable workload**.When the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will [feel hopeless](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/9-things-to-do-if-you-feel-hopeless-5081877). Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms.\n5. **Unfair treatment**.Employees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and [mistreatment from a co-worker](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628).\n\nThe stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as [perfectionism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233), [neuroticism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-neuroticism-affects-your-behavior-4782188), and [pessimism](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/is-it-safer-to-be-a-pessimist-3144874) can contribute to the stress you feel.\n\n### Other Causes of Burnout\nOther factors that can contribute to burnout include:\n\n- Poor communication from your employer\n- Lack of clarity about your role or duties\n- Intense pressure and tight deadlines\n- Feeling like you have no control over your life or work\n- Being mistreated by your boss or coworkers\n- Excessive workloads or expectations\n- Working too long without enough time to rest\n- Work that is overly boring or stressful\n- Not getting enough sleep\n- Lack of [social support](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970)\n- Lack of recognition for your efforts\n- Poor [work-life balance](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683)\n\n### Press Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace\nHosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058), featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now.\n\n**Subscribe Now**: [Apple Podcasts](https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin\/id1529983509) \/ [Spotify](https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) \/ [Google Podcasts](https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw)\n\n## Burnout Can Have Serious Effects\nChances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to:\n\n### You Might Feel Alienated From Your Work\nIndividuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to [feel numb](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/emotional-numbing-symptoms-2797372) about your work.\n\n### You May Become Emotionally Exhausted\nOver time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel [emotionally drained](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-when-youre-emotionally-exhausted-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5525215) and unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life.\n\n### Your Performance at Work Can Suffer\nBurnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves [caring for family members](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/caregiver-support-caregivers-and-stress-relief-3144520). Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance.\n\n## How to Prevent and Treat Burnout\nAlthough the term \"burnout\" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are [feeling burned out](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-to-do-if-you-are-experiencing-burnout-5216152), you may need to make some changes to your work environment.\n\n### How to Deal With Burnout\n- Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor.\n- Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company.\n- Take regular breaks.\n- Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques.\n- Eat a healthy diet.\n- Get plenty of exercise.\n- Practice healthy sleep habits.\n- Consider taking a vacation.\n\nApproaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or [a new job](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-can-changing-jobs-do-for-you-5222432) altogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least [switch tasks](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130).\n\nIt can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress. [Self-care strategies](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729) like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job.\n\nA vacation may offer you some [temporary relief](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/editor-in-chief-amy-morin-reveals-her-favorite-stress-relief-products-5224586) too, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout.\n\nSocial support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience.\n\nIf you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment. [Talking to a mental health professional](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-4842306) can help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Most people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work. If you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it. Talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better. Is your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life. Burnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face prolonged stress that eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. Excessive workplace stress for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. However, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges. So, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few recovery strategies . Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Signs You're Burning Out Recognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for: Gastrointestinal problems High blood pressure Poor immune function (getting sick more often) Reoccurring headaches Sleep issues Concentration issues Depressed mood Feeling worthless Loss of interest or pleasure Suicidal ideation Fatigue What Does Burnout Mean? Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress . It is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability. More simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to hate your job , and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout. Most people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms. The term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, "Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement." Freudenberger defined burnout as "the extinction of motivation or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results." Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout Burnout isn’t a diagnosable psychological disorder , but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health. Physical Burnout Symptoms When you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include: Gastrointestinal problems High blood pressure Poor immune function (getting sick more often) Reoccurring headaches Sleep issues Because burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout. Chronic stress may be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite. All of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout. Health Risks of Burnout Chronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death. Mental Burnout Symptoms Burnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout: Concentration issues Depressed mood Feeling worthless Loss of interest or pleasure Suicidal ideation Burnout vs. Depression Burnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. Depression symptoms also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide. How can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression? The key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life. If you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work. If this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher risk of developing depression . Are You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz Try our fast and free burnout quiz to find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout. This quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Factors That Put You at Risk of Burnout People who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well. However, some individuals (and those in certain occupations) are at a higher risk of having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life. For instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout. Of course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk. According to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five job factors that can contribute to employee burnout : Unreasonable time pressures . Employees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as paramedics and firefighters ) are at a higher risk of burnout. Lack of communication and support from management . Manager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis. Lack of role clarity . Only 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing. Unmanageable workload . When the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will feel hopeless . Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms. Unfair treatment . Employees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and mistreatment from a co-worker . The stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as perfectionism , neuroticism , and pessimism can contribute to the stress you feel. Other Causes of Burnout Other factors that can contribute to burnout include: Poor communication from your employer Lack of clarity about your role or duties Intense pressure and tight deadlines Feeling like you have no control over your life or work Being mistreated by your boss or coworkers Excessive workloads or expectations Working too long without enough time to rest Work that is overly boring or stressful Not getting enough sleep Lack of social support Lack of recognition for your efforts Poor work-life balance Press Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast , featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now. Subscribe Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Burnout Can Have Serious Effects Chances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to: You Might Feel Alienated From Your Work Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to feel numb about your work. You May Become Emotionally Exhausted Over time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel emotionally drained and unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life. Your Performance at Work Can Suffer Burnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves caring for family members . Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance. How to Prevent and Treat Burnout Although the term "burnout" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are feeling burned out , you may need to make some changes to your work environment. How to Deal With Burnout Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor. Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company. Take regular breaks. Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of exercise. Practice healthy sleep habits. Consider taking a vacation. Approaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or a new job altogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least switch tasks . It can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress. Self-care strategies like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job. A vacation may offer you some temporary relief too, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout. Social support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience. If you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment. Talking to a mental health professional can help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.
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Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved How Stress Impacts Your Health Guide How Stress Impacts Your Health Guide - [Overview](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086) - [Signs of Burnout](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516) - [Stress and Weight Gain](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088) - [Stress Reduction Tips](https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195) - [Self-Care Practices](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729) - [Mindful Living](https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-exercises-for-everyday-life-3145187) # How to Recognize Burnout Symptoms What to do if your physically and emotionally burned out at work By [Elizabeth Scott, PhD](https://www.verywellmind.com/elizabeth-scott-m-s-3144382) ![Elizabeth Scott, MS]() ![Elizabeth Scott, MS](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Sv95BXFbiCSvEF9UsoKVKtPzCQc=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Elizabeth-Scott-MS-660-695e2294b1844efda01d7a29da7b64c7.jpg) [Elizabeth Scott, PhD](https://www.verywellmind.com/elizabeth-scott-m-s-3144382) Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Learn about our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006) Updated on October 29, 2025 Reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. [Learn more](https://www.verywellmind.com/review-board-4796494). by [Amy Morin, LCSW](https://www.verywellmind.com/amy-morin-4842552) ![Amy Morin]() ![Amy Morin](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/6w-MU4IiNC6Ybaigog3YKa3jl0w=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VW-MIND-Amy-2b338105f1ee493f94d7e333e410fa76.jpg) Reviewed by [Amy Morin, LCSW](https://www.verywellmind.com/amy-morin-4842552) Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Learn about our [Review Board](https://www.verywellmind.com/review-board-4796494) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Definition](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-what-does-burnout-mean) - [Symptoms](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-symptoms-you-might-be-experiencing-burnout) - [Burnout vs. Depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-burnout-vs-depression) - [Take the Burnout Quiz](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-are-you-feeling-burnt-out-take-the-quiz) - [Risk Factors](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-factors-that-put-you-at-risk-of-burnout) - [Effects](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-burnout-can-have-serious-effects) - [Prevention and Treatment](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516#toc-how-to-prevent-and-treat-burnout) - Next in How Stress Impacts Your Health Guide [How Stress Can Cause Weight Gain](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-stress-can-cause-weight-gain-3145088) Close ### Key Takeaways - Most people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work. - If you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it. - Talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better. Is your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life. Burnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face [prolonged stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/prolonged-stress-symptoms-causes-impact-and-coping-5092113) that eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. Excessive [workplace stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273) for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. However, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges. So, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few [recovery strategies](https://www.verywellmind.com/burnout-recovery-and-prevention-6753704). ![signs of burnout]() ![signs of burnout](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/lLCDSfbkKBzEwqvTHrnu4UZr53A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516-e343e7071b6a44b28eb25f5378c92b0a.png) Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin ### Signs You're Burning Out Recognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for: - [Gastrointestinal problems](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940) - High blood pressure - Poor immune function (getting sick more often) - Reoccurring [headaches](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826) - Sleep issues - Concentration issues - Depressed mood - [Feeling worthless](https://www.verywellmind.com/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740) - Loss of interest or pleasure - [Suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609) - [Fatigue](https://www.verywellmind.com/why-am-i-so-tired-after-work-6741246) ## What Does Burnout Mean? Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic [job stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/i-dont-feel-like-working-today-what-to-do-6362637). It is characterized by three main dimensions: 1. exhaustion, 2. cynicism (less identification with the job), 3. and feelings of reduced professional ability. More simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to [hate your job](https://www.verywellmind.com/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445), and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout. Most people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms. The term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, "Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement." Freudenberger defined burnout as "the extinction of [motivation](https://www.verywellmind.com/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445) or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results." ## Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout Burnout isn’t a [diagnosable psychological disorder](https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health. ### Physical Burnout Symptoms When you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include: - [Gastrointestinal problems](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940) - High blood pressure - Poor immune function (getting sick more often) - Reoccurring [headaches](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826) - Sleep issues Because burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout. [Chronic stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/chronic-stress-3145104) may be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite. All of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout. ### Health Risks of Burnout Chronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death. ### Mental Burnout Symptoms Burnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout: - Concentration issues - Depressed mood - [Feeling worthless](https://www.verywellmind.com/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740) - Loss of interest or pleasure - [Suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609) If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our [National Helpline Database](https://www.verywellmind.com/national-helpline-database-4799696). ## Burnout vs. Depression Burnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. [Depression symptoms](https://www.verywellmind.com/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5270926) also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide. How can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression? The key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life. If you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work. If this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher [risk of developing depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056). ## Are You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz Try our fast and free [burnout quiz](https://www.verywellmind.com/burnout-quiz-8609548) to find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout. This quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS ## Factors That Put You at Risk of Burnout People who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well. However, some individuals (and those in certain occupations) [are at a higher risk](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-polywork-lead-to-burnout-7097134) of having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life. For instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout. Of course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk. According to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five [job factors that can contribute to employee burnout](https://www.verywellmind.com/job-factors-that-contribute-to-employee-burnout-3144512): 1. Unreasonable time pressures.Employees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as [paramedics and firefighters](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-you-need-someone-to-talk-to-5089236)) are at a higher risk of burnout. 2. Lack of communication and support from management.Manager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis. 3. Lack of role clarity.Only 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing. 4. Unmanageable workload.When the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will [feel hopeless](https://www.verywellmind.com/9-things-to-do-if-you-feel-hopeless-5081877). Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms. 5. Unfair treatment.Employees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and [mistreatment from a co-worker](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628). The stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as [perfectionism](https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233), [neuroticism](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-neuroticism-affects-your-behavior-4782188), and [pessimism](https://www.verywellmind.com/is-it-safer-to-be-a-pessimist-3144874) can contribute to the stress you feel. ### Other Causes of Burnout Other factors that can contribute to burnout include: - Poor communication from your employer - Lack of clarity about your role or duties - Intense pressure and tight deadlines - Feeling like you have no control over your life or work - Being mistreated by your boss or coworkers - Excessive workloads or expectations - Working too long without enough time to rest - Work that is overly boring or stressful - Not getting enough sleep - Lack of [social support](https://www.verywellmind.com/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970) - Lack of recognition for your efforts - Poor [work-life balance](https://www.verywellmind.com/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683) ### Press Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058), featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now. Subscribe Now: [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin/id1529983509) / [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) / [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw) ## Burnout Can Have Serious Effects Chances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to: ### You Might Feel Alienated From Your Work Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to [feel numb](https://www.verywellmind.com/emotional-numbing-symptoms-2797372) about your work. ### You May Become Emotionally Exhausted Over time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel [emotionally drained](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-youre-emotionally-exhausted-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5525215) and unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life. ### Your Performance at Work Can Suffer Burnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves [caring for family members](https://www.verywellmind.com/caregiver-support-caregivers-and-stress-relief-3144520). Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance. ## How to Prevent and Treat Burnout Although the term "burnout" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are [feeling burned out](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-if-you-are-experiencing-burnout-5216152), you may need to make some changes to your work environment. ### How to Deal With Burnout - Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor. - Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company. - Take regular breaks. - Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques. - Eat a healthy diet. - Get plenty of exercise. - Practice healthy sleep habits. - Consider taking a vacation. Approaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or [a new job](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-can-changing-jobs-do-for-you-5222432) altogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least [switch tasks](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130). It can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress. [Self-care strategies](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729) like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job. A vacation may offer you some [temporary relief](https://www.verywellmind.com/editor-in-chief-amy-morin-reveals-her-favorite-stress-relief-products-5224586) too, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout. Social support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience. If you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment. [Talking to a mental health professional](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-4842306) can help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best. [How to Prevent Burnout](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130) Read more: - [Living Well](https://www.verywellmind.com/living-well-7510832) - [Stress Management](https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-management-overview-4581770) 12 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellmind.com/our-editorial-process-4778006) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Tileva A. [How to douse chronic workplace stress before it explodes into full burnout](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/people-managers/pages/how-managers-prevent-workplace-burnout.aspx#:~:text=Workplace%20stress%20can%20cause%20mental,%2C%20can%20lead%20to%20burnout.%22). Society for Human Resource Management. 2. Maslach C, Leiter MP. [Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry.](https://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fwps.20311) World Psychiatry. 2016;15(2):103–111. doi:10.1002/wps.20311 3. Brandstätter V, Job V, Schulze B. [Motivational incongruence and well-being at the workplace: person-job fit, job burnout, and physical symptoms](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01153). Front Psychol. 2016;7:1153. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01153 4. Yale Medicine. [Chronic stress](https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder). 5. American Psychological Association. [Stress effects on the body](https://www.apa.org/topics/stress-body). 6. Tian F, Shen Q, Hu Y, et al. [Association of stress-related disorders with subsequent risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A population-based and sibling-controlled cohort study](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100402). The Lancet Regional Health - Europe. 2022;18:100402. doi:10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100402 7. Pereira H, Feher G, Tibold A, Monteiro S, Esgalhado G. [Mediating effect of burnout on the association between work-related quality of life and mental health symptoms](https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060813). Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):813. doi:10.3390/brainsci11060813 8. Bianchi R, Schonfeld IS, Laurent E. [Burnout-depression overlap: a review.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.01.004) Clin Psychol Rev. 2015;36:28-41. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.01.004 9. Kane L. [Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report 2019](https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2019-lifestyle-burnout-depression-6011056). 10. Wigert B, Agrawal S. [Employee burnout, Part 1: The 5 main causes](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237059/employee-burnout-part-main-causes.aspx). Gallup. 11. Wekenborg MK, Von dawans B, Hill LK, Thayer JF, Penz M, Kirschbaum C. [Examining reactivity patterns in burnout and other indicators of chronic stress](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.002). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2019;106:195-205. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.002 12. Demerouti E. 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Most people feel burnout as exhaustion, less interest in their job, and reduced ability to do their work. - If you are feeling exhausted, disconnect, or distress, you might be experiencing burnout and should take steps to address it. - Talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to deal with burnout and feel better. Is your job making you exhausted? Does the thought of dragging yourself to work fill you with dread? Or have you reached the point where you just don't care about your job anymore? If so, you might be experiencing burnout—a type of work-related exhaustion that can bleed over into other areas of your life. Burnout is a type of exhaustion that can happen when you face [prolonged stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/prolonged-stress-symptoms-causes-impact-and-coping-5092113) that eventually results in severe physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. Excessive [workplace stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273) for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. However, it can also happen in other areas of life where you face too much stress for too long, such as when dealing with caregiving, relationship, parenting, or financial challenges. So, what does burnout look like, exactly? Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few [recovery strategies](https://www.verywellmind.com/burnout-recovery-and-prevention-6753704). Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin ### Signs You're Burning Out Recognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for: - [Gastrointestinal problems](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940) - High blood pressure - Poor immune function (getting sick more often) - Reoccurring [headaches](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826) - Sleep issues - Concentration issues - Depressed mood - [Feeling worthless](https://www.verywellmind.com/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740) - Loss of interest or pleasure - [Suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609) - [Fatigue](https://www.verywellmind.com/why-am-i-so-tired-after-work-6741246) ## What Does Burnout Mean? Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic [job stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/i-dont-feel-like-working-today-what-to-do-6362637). It is characterized by three main dimensions: 1. exhaustion, 2. cynicism (less identification with the job), 3. and feelings of reduced professional ability. More simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to [hate your job](https://www.verywellmind.com/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445), and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout. Most people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms. The term “burnout” is a relatively new term, first coined in 1974 by Herbert Freudenberger in his book, "Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement." Freudenberger defined burnout as "the extinction of [motivation](https://www.verywellmind.com/doing-what-you-love-the-battle-of-motivation-5222445) or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results." ## Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing Burnout Burnout isn’t a [diagnosable psychological disorder](https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally. Feeling burned out can contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and the ongoing stress you are experiencing can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health. ### Physical Burnout Symptoms When you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include: - [Gastrointestinal problems](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-oxytocin-affect-your-mental-health-5114940) - High blood pressure - Poor immune function (getting sick more often) - Reoccurring [headaches](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-are-headaches-and-stress-connected-3144826) - Sleep issues Because burnout is caused by chronic stress, it's helpful to also be aware of how this stress, in general, affects the body. Having chronic stress in your life doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing burnout. Unaddressed chronic stress, however, can eventually lead to burnout. [Chronic stress](https://www.verywellmind.com/chronic-stress-3145104) may be felt physically in terms of having more aches and pains, low energy levels, and changes in appetite. All of these physical signs suggest that you may be experiencing burnout. ### Health Risks of Burnout Chronic stress is associated with a wide range of negative health complications and outcomes, including heart disease, weight changes, depression, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have also connected stress-related disorders to an increased risk of death. ### Mental Burnout Symptoms Burnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout: - Concentration issues - Depressed mood - [Feeling worthless](https://www.verywellmind.com/things-to-do-if-you-are-feeling-worthless-5087740) - Loss of interest or pleasure - [Suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609) ## Burnout vs. Depression Burnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. [Depression symptoms](https://www.verywellmind.com/major-depressive-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5270926) also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of suicide. How can you tell if what you are feeling is burnout versus depression? The key differences center on where and when you experience symptoms. Burnout symptoms tend to be focused on work (or the specific challenge you're dealing with), while depression tends to affect all areas of your life. If you are depressed, you'll experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work. If this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher [risk of developing depression](https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056). ## Are You Feeling Burnt Out? Take the Quiz Try our fast and free [burnout quiz](https://www.verywellmind.com/burnout-quiz-8609548) to find out if some of the things you've been feeling may be a sign of burnout. This quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS ## Factors That Put You at Risk of Burnout People who work in certain stressful professions sometimes have a higher risk of burning out, but having a high-stress job doesn't always lead to burnout. You may not experience these ill effects if your stress is managed well. However, some individuals (and those in certain occupations) [are at a higher risk](https://www.verywellmind.com/does-polywork-lead-to-burnout-7097134) of having burnout symptoms than others. It often comes down to how you manage your stress and the support you have in your life. For instance, a 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report found that 44% of physicians experience burnout. Of course, it's not just physicians who are burning out. Workers in every industry at every level are at potential risk. According to a 2018 Gallup report, there are five [job factors that can contribute to employee burnout](https://www.verywellmind.com/job-factors-that-contribute-to-employee-burnout-3144512): 1. Unreasonable time pressures.Employees who say they have enough time to do their work are 70% less likely to experience high burnout, while individuals who are not able to gain more time (such as [paramedics and firefighters](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-you-need-someone-to-talk-to-5089236)) are at a higher risk of burnout. 2. Lack of communication and support from management.Manager support offers a psychological buffer against stress. Employees who feel strongly supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout symptoms on a regular basis. 3. Lack of role clarity.Only 60% of workers know what is expected of them. When expectations are like moving targets, employees may become exhausted simply by trying to figure out what they are supposed to be doing. 4. Unmanageable workload.When the workload feels unmanageable, even the most optimistic employees will [feel hopeless](https://www.verywellmind.com/9-things-to-do-if-you-feel-hopeless-5081877). Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to burnout symptoms. 5. Unfair treatment.Employees who feel they are treated unfairly at work are 2.3 times more likely to experience a high level of burnout. Unfair treatment may include things such as favoritism, unfair compensation, and [mistreatment from a co-worker](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628). The stress that contributes to burnout can come mainly from your job, but stressors from other areas of life can add to these levels as well. For instance, personality traits and thought patterns such as [perfectionism](https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-may-be-a-perfectionist-3145233), [neuroticism](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-neuroticism-affects-your-behavior-4782188), and [pessimism](https://www.verywellmind.com/is-it-safer-to-be-a-pessimist-3144874) can contribute to the stress you feel. ### Other Causes of Burnout Other factors that can contribute to burnout include: - Poor communication from your employer - Lack of clarity about your role or duties - Intense pressure and tight deadlines - Feeling like you have no control over your life or work - Being mistreated by your boss or coworkers - Excessive workloads or expectations - Working too long without enough time to rest - Work that is overly boring or stressful - Not getting enough sleep - Lack of [social support](https://www.verywellmind.com/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970) - Lack of recognition for your efforts - Poor [work-life balance](https://www.verywellmind.com/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683) ### Press Play for Advice On Dealing With a Toxic Workplace Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of [The Verywell Mind Podcast](https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058), featuring business expert Heather Monahan, shares how to survive a toxic workplace. Click below to listen now. Subscribe Now: [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-verywell-mind-podcast-with-amy-morin/id1529983509) / [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2WGnJfJon5RKU9bXBUSWHU) / [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMzA3NDQ5LnJzcw) ## Burnout Can Have Serious Effects Chances are, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you are burned out or not. So what happens if you don't take steps to address those feelings of exhaustion, disconnect, and distress? If left untreated, burnout symptoms can lead to: ### You Might Feel Alienated From Your Work Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. You may grow cynical about your working conditions and the people you work with. You might also emotionally distance yourself and begin to [feel numb](https://www.verywellmind.com/emotional-numbing-symptoms-2797372) about your work. ### You May Become Emotionally Exhausted Over time, untreated burnout symptoms can cause you to feel [emotionally drained](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-when-youre-emotionally-exhausted-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5525215) and unable to cope. You might find it harder and harder to deal with problems at work and at home. When you get home from work, you may be so fatigued that you don't have the physical or mental energy to engage in other activities that are part of your home life. ### Your Performance at Work Can Suffer Burnout affects everyday tasks at work, or in the home if your main job involves [caring for family members](https://www.verywellmind.com/caregiver-support-caregivers-and-stress-relief-3144520). Individuals with burnout symptoms feel negative about tasks, have difficulty concentrating, and often lack creativity. Together, this results in reduced performance. ## How to Prevent and Treat Burnout Although the term "burnout" suggests that this may be a permanent condition, it is reversible. If you are [feeling burned out](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-if-you-are-experiencing-burnout-5216152), you may need to make some changes to your work environment. ### How to Deal With Burnout - Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor. - Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company. - Take regular breaks. - Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques. - Eat a healthy diet. - Get plenty of exercise. - Practice healthy sleep habits. - Consider taking a vacation. Approaching human resources about problems you're having or talking to a supervisor could be helpful if the company is invested in creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, a change in position or [a new job](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-can-changing-jobs-do-for-you-5222432) altogether may be necessary to begin to recover from burnout. If you can't switch jobs, it may help to at least [switch tasks](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-prevent-burnout-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5296130). It can also be helpful to develop clear strategies to help you manage your stress. [Self-care strategies](https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729) like eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and engaging in healthy sleep habits may help reduce some of the effects of a high-stress job. A vacation may offer you some [temporary relief](https://www.verywellmind.com/editor-in-chief-amy-morin-reveals-her-favorite-stress-relief-products-5224586) too, but a week away from the office won't be enough to help you beat burnout. Regularly scheduled breaks from work, along with daily renewal exercises, can be key to helping you combat burnout. Social support is also critical. This can come from various sources, including coworkers, friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you are struggling to find the type of support you need, consider joining an in-person or online support group where you can talk about your challenges and get encouragement from people with the same type of experience. If you are experiencing burnout and are having difficulty finding your way out, or you suspect that you may also have a mental health condition such as depression, seek professional treatment. [Talking to a mental health professional](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-4842306) can help you discover the strategies you need to feel your best.
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