The World Health Organization (WHO) describes burnout as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. It is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Despite growing awareness and media coverage in recent years, it’s not classified as a medical or mental health condition. Instead, it’s a syndrome: a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific cause. 

According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report, 92% of adults in Scotland reported experiencing high or extreme levels of stress in the past year (89.5% for the whole UK). However, only one in five workers in the UK took time off due to poor mental health caused by stress or pressure.  

As the name suggests, burnout is a slow fade with symptoms gradually worsening. ‘Habitual burnout’ is when it happens over time, where people will try to push through a cycle of exhaustion and hoping that the next month will be better. But before they know it, they’ve reached a point of complete physical and emotional depletion where no amount of rest seems to help.  

A colleague from Change Mental Health, who has personally dealt with burnout but still finds it difficult to talk about, reflected on their experience: “I lost myself. Looking back, it’s hard to recognise who I was. It happened so slowly that it’s hard to say when it even started. Was it that job or the one before?” 

Diagnosing burnout can be tricky. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions like depression or anxiety. Typically, burnout is characterised by feelings of energy depletion, growing cynicism or detachment from work and reduced professional efficacy. If not addressed, it can wreak havoc on personal and professional lives alike.  

high achievers and burnout 

Ironically, burnout often affects high achievers or those who ‘thrive on stress’. Driven by a sense of responsibility, ambition and dedication, these are people who push themselves relentlessly. They set high standards, thrive on challenges and work long hours to meet their goals.  

But while their motivation may seem unstoppable, their determined pursuit of success can lead them to overcommit, neglect self-care and push through stress without acknowledging the toll it’s taking. Their tenacity to succeed can become the very thing that leads to emotional and physical exhaustion. 

Many may not realise they’re experiencing burnout, confusing it with stress and assuming it will pass. However, while burnout can be caused by stress, it isn’t the same as stress. Stress tends to be short-term. While it may impact your sleep, energy and emotions, you can still engage in the activity that is causing it. But unlike regular tiredness, burnout is often persistent and unshakeable. Reflecting on their personal experience with burnout, that colleague shared: 

“I kept it together at work – nobody would have known. At one point, I thought I had high-functioning anxiety or that it was just part of my personality because I liked working.”

It is a common misconception that burnout only affects those in high pressure or senior roles. Anyone can experience it. The signs are often hidden beneath the surface. At the same time, you feel so detached and demotivated that it affects motivation, concentration and physical wellbeing, making it hard to function at work or in daily life. 

recovery and prevention 

Recovery from burnout varies from person to person. For some, it may take weeks. For others, months or even longer. In severe cases, recovery can extend beyond a year.   

Effective recovery often involves a combination of rest, self-care and professional help, such as counselling or therapy. Importantly, the workplace should promote a supportive environment, as organisational changes can also help prevent burnout from recurring or occurring in the first place.  

Preventing burnout is a shared responsibility. Both individuals and organisations must take proactive steps to create healthier work environments. Acknowledging the signs of burnout early, encouraging breaks, setting boundaries and promoting mental wellbeing are key to maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic.  

For many, the process of recovery also involves a deep reflection on when burnout truly began. Often, it can be surprising to realise how long symptoms were present before they became overwhelming.