Recognising the signs and how counselling can help.

Burnout often develops slowly, making it difficult to recognise until it begins to
significantly affect your wellbeing. Many people experiencing burnout continue to
function at work and in daily life, while feeling increasingly exhausted, overwhelmed,
and emotionally depleted.

You may notice that rest no longer feels restorative, your motivation has reduced,
and everyday tasks require much more effort than they once did. This can lead to a
quiet but persistent question:

Am I experiencing burnout, or is something else going on?

What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by
prolonged stress and ongoing pressure. While it is often associated with work,
burnout can also be influenced by personal circumstances, long-term emotional
demands, or high levels of responsibility and self-expectation.
When stress continues over time without adequate recovery, the nervous system
remains in a state of heightened alert. This can impact concentration, memory,
creativity, emotional regulation, and decision making. Burnout is not a personal
weakness; it’s a natural response to prolonged stress and overload.

Common signs of burnout
Burnout can present differently for each person, but common signs include:

• Persistent tiredness, even after sleep or time away from work.
•  Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or unable to cope with additional demands.
• Reduced concentration, focus, or effectiveness.
• Loss of motivation or sense of meaning in your work.
• Increased irritability or sensitivity in relationships.
• Procrastination or difficulty completing tasks.
• Feelings of inadequacy or self-criticism.
• Cynicism or emotional detachment from work or responsibilities.
• Difficulty making decisions, including everyday choices
•  Ongoing anxiety, low mood, or feelings of hopelessness.
• Withdrawing socially due to low energy.

Physical symptoms may include:
Tension headaches or muscle pain, particularly in the neck and shoulders.
Digestive discomfort.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Frequent illness due to lowered immunity.

Understanding burnout as a nervous system response
Burnout can be understood as the body’s attempt to protect itself. When the nervous
system has been under prolonged strain, it may shift into a shutdown or “freeze”
response, leaving you feeling depleted, stuck, or disconnected.
Rather than a lack of resilience, burnout reflects that the demands placed upon you
have exceeded the support, resources, or rest available to you.

Different patterns of burnout:
Burnout can show up in different ways, including:

Achiever burnout
Often linked with overworking, perfectionism, and a strong drive to succeed,
frequently at the expense of health and personal relationships.

Under-stimulation burnout
Associated with boredom, lack of challenge, or feeling undervalued, leading to
disengagement, cynicism, and emotional withdrawal.

Worn out burnout
Develops when demands feel unmanageable or unclear, resulting in feelings of
helplessness, reduced confidence, and emotional shutdown.

How counselling can help with burnout

Counselling provides a confidential and supportive space to explore burnout and begin the process of recovery.

Working together, counselling can help you to:

• Explore the underlying factors contributing to burnout.
• Process emotional exhaustion and ongoing stress.
• Learn practical ways to support nervous system regulation.
• Challenge unhelpful patterns such as perfectionism or self-criticism.
• Develop healthier boundaries around work and personal life.
• Restore energy, motivation, and a sense of purpose.
• Build resilience and reduce the likelihood of burnout recurring.

Taking the next step

If you are feeling persistently exhausted, emotionally drained, or disconnected from
your work or life, you are not alone, and support is available. Burnout does not
resolve through willpower alone.

Counselling can help you understand what is happening, regain balance, and move
towards a more sustainable way of living and working.

If you would like support with the topic discussed, feel free to reach out to Claire or
myself to see if we can offer any help.

Mel Crawford