Burnout is a type of long-term job stress characterized by three main features. The first is overwhelming emotional and physical exhaustion. In addition to physical and emotional fatigue, when we're burning out we also experience detachment and feelings of cynicism about our jobs—along with a decreased sense of accomplishment.
When we're burnt out, we feel incompetent, ineffective, and lose confidence in ourselves.
Contributing factors can include poor work-life balance, low job satisfaction, stress and anxiety related to unresolved conflict in the workplace, lack of managerial support for personal or life issues outside work.
Many people experience burnout at one time or another; however, for some, it is so severe they are unable to continue working.
Some research has found that nurses and other healthcare professionals experience burnout at a rate of 33%.
Other studies have estimated that doctors experience it at a rate of up to 44%.
This can negatively affect the aspects of patient care, such as increased errors and lower-quality diagnoses.
The negative impacts of burnout begin before it reaches extreme levels, starting with emotional exhaustion (feeling depleted and frustrated), insecurity about self-worth (low self-esteem), and loss of enthusiasm for work.
These first symptoms can lead to other issues, such as stress-related illness, interpersonal relationship problems, and decreased productivity.
Asking for help before you reach the point of no return—for example, during the chronic stress stage—can help get you the support you need to prevent full-blown burnout.
Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice, to find licensed therapists near you and choose to browse therapists and counselors who accept your insurance.
Each therapy provider’s page on Monarch lists their hourly fees directly underneath their areas of specialty. Many therapists listed on Monarch also allow you to book free initial consultation appointments.
If you're burning out, speaking with a therapist may help.