What should you know about Maslach burnout?

Maslach burnout is work-related exhaustion with mental distance from work and a reduced sense of effectiveness. It can develop when demanding conditions continue without enough recovery, control, recognition or support.

Burnout is linked to the work context, although its effects can spill into home life. You may dread tasks, feel detached or cynical, make more mistakes, and need greater effort for familiar work. Associated problems can include [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), [Irritability](/symptoms/irritability/) and [Difficulty Concentrating](/symptoms/difficulty-concentrating/). [Difficulty Sleeping](/symptoms/difficulty-sleeping/) or [Loss of Libido](/symptoms/loss-of-libido/) may also occur, but these symptoms can have other explanations. A clinician can consider burnout alongside depression, anxiety, sleep problems and physical illness.

Arrange a confidential health assessment if exhaustion or detachment is affecting your work or daily life. Write down workload, working hours, recovery time, sleep and changes in mood. Where possible, discuss specific adjustments with a manager or occupational-health service, such as clearer priorities, protected breaks, supervision or temporary workload changes. Keep regular meals, movement and sleep routines, and avoid relying on alcohol or stimulants to push through. Treatment for [Insomnia](/conditions/insomnia/) or another identified problem may be part of recovery.

Seek care promptly when you are making unsafe errors, unable to perform essential tasks, having panic symptoms, or remaining exhausted despite rest. Seek urgent help if you have thoughts of self-harm, cannot keep yourself safe, or feel detached from reality. Contact local emergency services or attend the nearest emergency department, and involve someone you trust.

Ask whether your symptoms fit [Burnout](/conditions/burnout/), whether depression or a physical condition needs assessment, what workplace support may be useful, and how progress will be reviewed.