What is burnout?

Burnout, or occupational exhaustion syndrome, is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to work stress that you can no longer manage. The World Health Organization describes it as an occupational phenomenon, characterised by three dimensions:

  • exhaustion: a feeling of lacking energy, of being drained, that rest is no longer enough to repair;
  • distance: detachment, cynicism or irritability towards your work, colleagues or clients;
  • reduced effectiveness: the feeling that you can no longer cope, that you are no longer competent.

Burnout often affects highly committed, conscientious people who find it hard to say no. It concerns every profession: managers, carers, teachers, the self-employed, and also parents worn out by the demands of family life (known as parental burnout, see parenting support).

How burnout develops

Burnout is rarely sudden, even if it sometimes shows up as an abrupt collapse. It generally develops in stages: strong commitment, then an overload you compensate for by working more, signs of fatigue and tension that you ignore, a gradual narrowing of life around work at the expense of everything else, and finally exhaustion. An international move, with its added pressure to prove yourself in a new job and a new environment, can speed up this process.

Warning signs:

  • persistent fatigue, on waking as well as at weekends;
  • sleep problems, waking at night with thoughts about work;
  • difficulty concentrating, unusual forgetfulness, slowness in carrying out simple tasks;
  • irritability, tearfulness, heightened sensitivity to criticism;
  • physical symptoms: headaches, pain, digestive problems, repeated infections;
  • disengagement, a sense of pointlessness, loss of pleasure;
  • increased use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee or medication.

Burnout or depression?

Burnout and depression share many symptoms, and untreated burnout can develop into depression. The difference lies mainly in the direct link with work: in burnout, the difficulties are first centred on work, at least at the beginning. Telling them apart matters, because the care may differ. A medical opinion is recommended, in particular to assess the need for sick leave or treatment.

How I can help

Occupational psychopathology studies how the way work is organised can affect mental health. It helps understand burnout not as a personal failure but as the result of a meeting between a person and a context. Support generally follows several stages.

Recovering

At first, the priority is to rest and reduce the pressure. This means allowing yourself to stop, getting more restorative sleep, gradually reintroducing activities that recharge you, and easing the guilt that is often very present. Sick leave, when needed, is prescribed by a doctor.

Understanding

As energy returns, we take the time to understand what led to the exhaustion: workload and organisation, relationships, but also your personal relationship to work, the demands you place on yourself, any difficulty setting limits. Cognitive behavioural tools, the systemic approach and work on your history complement each other here (find out more about my approach).

Preparing for what comes next

Then comes the question of the future: going back to the same job with adjusted conditions, changing roles or considering a career change. If you work in France, the occupational health doctor (médecin du travail) is a key contact at this stage: a pre-return visit can be arranged during sick leave, and a gradual return, for example part-time for therapeutic reasons (temps partiel thérapeutique), can be considered with your doctor. My role is to help you prepare this return, identify what needs to change and prevent relapse.

Sessions last about 50 minutes, at the Brotteaux practice, 134 rue de Sèze in Lyon 6th, or by video when exhaustion makes travelling difficult. I work in English, French and Portuguese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to recover from burnout?

It varies greatly from person to person and with the severity of the exhaustion: from a few months to longer. Recovery is not linear; it is important not to go back too soon, and to work on the causes to avoid relapse.

Can a psychologist sign me off work?

No, only a doctor can prescribe sick leave. I can, however, help you recognise your state of exhaustion and encourage you to see your GP.

Should I change jobs after burnout?

Not necessarily. Many people return to their job, with adjustments and a different way of working. For others, burnout is an opportunity to reconsider their direction. It is generally advisable not to make major decisions at the height of exhaustion.

Useful resources