It’s both. Burnout is defined as exhaustion, mental distance from your job, and reduced effectiveness, all resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been managed well. Mayo Clinic describes it as leaving you physically or emotionally worn out, so the depletion shows up in your body as well as your mind.
How the WHO Defines Burnout
The World Health Organization’s ICD-11 describes burn-out as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It has three dimensions: exhaustion, meaning depleted energy; growing detachment or cynicism toward your job; and a reduced sense of effectiveness.
The WHO classifies burn-out as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition and says the term refers specifically to the workplace. Mayo Clinic likewise notes that burnout isn’t a medical diagnosis. That doesn’t make it any less real or any less worth addressing.
Physical Signs of Burnout
According to Mayo Clinic, burnout can show up as low energy, trouble focusing, and little satisfaction from finished tasks. Changes in sleep, unexplained headaches or stomach problems, and using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope can also appear.
Left unaddressed, burnout can bring exhaustion, sleep problems, irritability, and a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It can also make you more prone to illness. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a health care or mental health professional can help sort out what is going on.
What Causes Burnout to Build Up
Mayo Clinic points to a handful of common triggers:
- Little control over your schedule, assignments, or resources
- Unclear job expectations
- Conflict at work
- Too much to do, or too little
- A lack of support
- Poor work-life balance
Personality traits and past experiences matter too, which is why two people in the same job can respond very differently.
Burnout vs. Depression and Ordinary Tiredness
Mayo Clinic notes that depression may underlie some cases of burnout, and the two need different treatment. If your exhaustion follows you home, doesn’t ease on vacation, or comes with hopelessness, talk with a professional. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988. For a broader look at the line between everyday tiredness and something more serious, see our guide to chronic fatigue versus normal tiredness.
Ways to Recover From Burnout Exhaustion
Mayo Clinic suggests discussing your concerns with your boss, setting realistic priorities, and considering whether your job can change or whether a better fit is needed. Lean on coworkers, friends, or family, and check whether your employer offers an employee assistance program. Relaxing practices such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, or deep breathing can help, as can regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness.
Supporting Energy During Recovery
Recovery comes from changing the conditions that caused the exhaustion, but some people also support how their cells make energy along the way. Performance Lab Energy is a caffeine-free formula with magnesium malate, acetyl L-carnitine, R-lipoic acid, CoQ10, PQQ, and BioPerine, ingredients involved in how mitochondria produce cellular energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burnout a Medical Diagnosis?
No. The WHO classifies it as an occupational phenomenon, and Mayo Clinic notes that burnout isn’t a medical diagnosis.
Can Burnout Make You Physically Sick?
It can contribute to sleep problems, headaches, and stomach issues, and Mayo Clinic notes a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes if it goes unaddressed.
How Do I Know If It’s Burnout or Depression?
The two can overlap, and depression may underlie some cases of burnout. A health care or mental health professional can help tell them apart.
