5 signs of Burnout
How to Recognise the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late
Burnout doesn’t always show up as a dramatic breakdown. For many people, it creeps in quietly—until one day, you feel completely drained, disconnected, and no longer like yourself.
As a BACP-registered counsellor working with burnout and work-related stress, I regularly support clients who say, “I thought I was just tired… but it turns out I was completely burned out.”
Here are five common signs you might be experiencing burnout—and how therapy can help.
You’re Always Exhausted—Even After Rest
Fatigue is a major warning sign of burnout. But this isn’t the kind of tiredness that a good night’s sleep can fix.
You may feel:
Mentally foggy or emotionally flat
Physically worn out, even after weekends or holidays
Like your energy never fully “recharges”
This kind of chronic exhaustion often signals deeper emotional strain, not just physical tiredness.
You Feel Detached, Cynical or “Switched Off”
Burnout can cause emotional disconnection—from your work, your relationships, or even yourself.
You might notice:
Loss of passion for a job you used to love
Feeling numb or indifferent toward responsibilities
Increased irritability or withdrawing from others
This kind of emotional distance is your mind’s way of protecting itself from ongoing overwhelm.
Your Work Feels Meaningless or Overwhelming
Many people experiencing burnout describe a growing sense of hopelessness or resentment toward their job. You might feel:
Constantly behind or unable to focus
Unappreciated or undervalued
Like nothing you do is “enough”
Even routine tasks can feel insurmountable when you're burned out—leading to guilt, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem.
You Struggle to Switch Off or Sleep Well
Burnout affects your nervous system. You may find it hard to rest, even when you’re physically still.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Racing thoughts or overthinking at night
Feeling “wired but tired”
This prolonged state of hyper-alertness is exhausting—and unsustainable.
You’ve Lost Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
If you’re withdrawing from social events, hobbies, or even family life, burnout could be the cause. Many people feel:
Too drained to socialise or connect with loved ones
Disconnected from joy or creativity
Like they’re just “getting through the day”
This isn’t laziness or failure—it’s your system signalling that something needs to change.
So, What Can You Do?
If any of these signs feel familiar, know this: you’re not alone—and it’s okay to ask for help.
Burnout is not a personal weakness. It’s a response to prolonged stress, often made worse by high expectations, perfectionism, or emotional over-responsibility.
Counselling can support you to:
Understand and manage the roots of your burnout
Rebuild energy and emotional resilience
Set healthier boundaries at work and home
Reconnect with meaning, confidence and wellbeing
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to explore whether we’re a good fit. Let’s talk about what you’re facing—and how therapy might help you recover and move forward.
Book your free consultation now
Or get in touch lynsey@chamberswellbeing.co.uk or 07586 435710 and leave a voicemail