Burnout has become a prevalent issue in our fast-paced world, affecting professionals across all industries. As a CBT therapist, I see first-hand how burnout can impact on both mental and physical well-being. It's not just about being tired—burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Signs of Burnout:
- Chronic fatigue or insomnia
- Detachment or feelings of hopelessness
- Reduced performance and productivity
- Increased irritability
How CBT Can Help: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to combat burnout by addressing the thought patterns that fuel it. We work to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs like "I must be perfect" or "I can't say no." Through CBT, clients learn to reframe these thoughts, set healthy boundaries, and develop coping strategies that promote resilience.
Remember: It's okay to take a step back and prioritise your well-being. Recovery from burnout is possible, but it starts with recognising the signs and seeking support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with burnout, I'm here to help. Let's work together to restore balance and reclaim your energy.
Burnout: A Journey
Burnout is a term that's often thrown around, but until you've experienced it, it can be hard to truly understand its impact. Busy professionals I’ve worked with describe priding themselves on being able to juggle multiple responsibilities, always pushing themselves to do more. But at some point, the weight of it all becomes too much.
The Early Signs Ignored
My clients reflect that the signs were there long before they admitted to themselves that something was wrong. They started to notice:
Tiredness: Struggled sleeping and even when they did sleep they always felt exhausted.
Decreased Motivation: Tasks that once excited them felt like a burden.
Irritability: They were easily frustrated, snapping at loved ones and colleagues.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing frequent headaches, tension in the shoulders, and a constant feeling of being on edge.
At the time, these were brushed off as just part of being busy. "This is just the way it is," they told themselves ’I just need to get this next thing over the line’. They didn’t realise they were on a fast track to burnout.
The Breaking Point
The turning point often came during a particularly hectic time. They would describe working late hours, and neglecting their own needs in the name of ‘getting the job done’. Then, one day, they find themselves completely overwhelmed—unable to focus, anxious, and emotionally drained. That’s when they realise that it is no longer sustainable.
Making Changes
I’ve heard many times that it is others noticing and commenting that kick starts the change. A typical scenario might include going out for lunch with a friend who tells you that you look awful. As you describe how you feel, having it pointed out to you that it sounds as you’ve stressed and burning out. Admitting to being burned out is often the hardest part. Feeling like you’re failing, not just yourself but those who rely on you. But it is often the catalyst that something had to change
Learning to say no, prioritising tasks, and giving yourself permission to rest. Reintroducing self-care into your routine, whether it’s a walk outside, or simply unplugging from work.
Recovery is rarely immediate. It takes time to rebuild energy and regain your sense of self. But slowly, you can start to feel like yourself again. You learn that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it is necessary. You discover that by managing your well-being, you can be more present and effective in all areas of your life.
Getting Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to listen to your body and mind—don’t wait for a breaking point to make a change.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
At Clear Minds CBT, I offer a “Thriving at Work” package which is a focused one to one 6-session Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) package designed specifically for busy professionals who want to overcome work-related stress, improve resilience, and boost their performance.
To find out more please visit https://clearmindscbt.co.uk/thriving-at-work/ and see how I can help you to thrive at work again.
