Getting over burnout: what should you know?

Burnout can develop after prolonged work, caring or personal pressure. You may feel emotionally drained, detached, irritable or unable to concentrate. Sleep may become difficult, while fatigue can remain even after time away from the stressor. Some people also notice anxiety or reduced interest in sex. These experiences can overlap with depression, anxiety, insomnia or physical illness, so a persistent change deserves assessment rather than self-blame.

Start by identifying the demands that keep your stress response switched on. Where possible, discuss workload, caring responsibilities or boundaries with the relevant person. Keep a regular sleep and wake pattern, eat consistently, take gentle movement breaks and protect short periods without work messages. Choose one manageable priority at a time, and accept practical help. A GP can review your symptoms, medicines, sleep and physical health, then suggest counselling, workplace support or other care.

Arrange a GP appointment if exhaustion, low mood, anxiety, sleep problems or concentration difficulty are affecting daily life, or if rest and reduced demands are not helping. Seek urgent help if you feel unable to stay safe, have thoughts of harming yourself, or cannot manage basic needs. Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Ask what else could explain your symptoms, which changes are realistic now, and whether a mental-health assessment or time away from work would help. Bring a brief record of sleep, energy, mood and the pressures you are facing.