What is burnout? Signs, patterns, and why it happens

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that develops after prolonged stress. It often shows up as persistent tiredness, a sense of inefficacy, and detachment or cynicism. Unlike ordinary fatigue, burnout persists despite rest and can make routine tasks feel disproportionately heavy.

Common drivers

• Load: Chronic overload, unclear priorities, constant context switching.
• Lack of control: Low autonomy, frequent interruptions, reactive work.
• Low reward: Little recognition, weak feedback loops, limited progress.
• Community strain: Isolation, conflict, or reduced social support.

Three domains frequently move together: personal exhaustion, work-related strain, and client-related fatigue. Recognizing early patterns helps you adjust before exhaustion becomes your norm.

How burnout feels

People often describe feeling emotionally flat, impatient, or distant. Mornings feel heavy; evenings don’t restore energy. You might avoid tasks you used to enjoy and feel guilty for not “bouncing back.”

If you feel this way, you are not failing. Burnout is a signal that systems, not just individuals, may need change.

Contexts that raise risk

• Chronic overtime or unpredictable workload spikes
• Low decision latitude, unclear goals, or missing feedback
• Care or client roles without enough decompression time
• Work‑life mismatch (values, purpose, or role fit)

This site offers a brief screening and simple guidance. It is not a diagnosis; consider professional support if symptoms persist.