What should you know about imposter syndrome and burnout?

Imposter feelings may involve discounting achievements, fearing that others will discover you are not capable, or setting demanding standards. Burnout describes a pattern of prolonged work stress with exhaustion, emotional distance or cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. Self-doubt can intensify when you are depleted, while burnout can make ordinary tasks feel like evidence of failure.

Possible effects include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping, insomnia, and reduced interest in sex. These signs can also arise from depression, anxiety, physical illness, or medicines, so a broader assessment may be useful.

Name the specific thought rather than treating it as a fact: write down the task, evidence of what went well, and one realistic next action. Set boundaries around work messages, take genuine breaks, protect sleep, and discuss workload, priorities, or supervision with someone you trust.

A GP or mental health professional can explore mood, sleep, concentration, physical health, and safety. Support may include talking therapy, workplace adjustments, stress management, or treatment for a separate condition. If a colleague describes similar strain, listen without minimising it and encourage timely support.

Arrange an appointment when exhaustion, detachment, anxiety, sleep problems, or concentration changes continue and affect work or home life. Seek urgent help if you feel unable to keep yourself safe, have thoughts of suicide, or cannot manage basic needs; contact local emergency services or a crisis service and stay with a trusted person if possible. A sudden change in behaviour, severe confusion, or loss of contact with reality also needs urgent assessment.

How can we distinguish burnout from depression, anxiety, a sleep problem, or a physical illness? What changes at work could reduce the strain? Would therapy, time away, or a sleep assessment help? What should I do if my safety worsens?