3 Key Signs Your Body Is Warning You About Burnout, According to a Psychologist

Balancing work, social obligations, and personal care can heavily impact your mental well-being, potentially leading to burnout. According to licensed clinical psychologist Molly Burrets, burnout is not classified as a mental health disorder but is rather a chronic condition resulting from prolonged stress and fatigue, which can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Recognizing the signs of burnout early is crucial for prevention and recovery. Burrets categorizes the symptoms of burnout into three main groups: physical, emotional, and behavioral.

Physical Symptoms: Your body might be the first to signal burnout through chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. These physical symptoms are often the most noticeable and can severely affect your daily life.

Emotional Symptoms: Emotionally, burnout can manifest as increased irritability, a loss of motivation, feelings of detachment or emotional exhaustion, frustration, and negative attitudes towards work or caregiving responsibilities. These signs are usually more recognizable, as they directly impact your mood and overall mental state.

Behavioral Symptoms: Behavioral changes often serve as coping mechanisms for stress. Common indicators include overeating, binge drinking, increased substance use, procrastination, social withdrawal, and a decline in productivity, particularly in the workplace. When these behaviors become evident, it’s a strong indication that burnout has taken hold.

Reversing Burnout: If you notice a combination of these symptoms, it’s essential to address them promptly. Burrets suggests first consulting with a healthcare professional to rule out other potential health issues. Then, consider reducing your workload to prioritize self-care. Engaging in regular physical activity, spending quality time with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, practicing meditation, and mindfulness activities can significantly aid in recovery. Burrets emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and eliminating non-essential tasks to make room for relaxation and self-care, which are vital for overcoming burnout and maintaining long-term well-being.