Burnout

Burnout is a specific type of work stress, characterised by complete and absolute emotional or physical exhaustion, a negative or cynical outlook about your job (that was not present previously), and a sense of reduced accomplishment, motivation or feelings of purpose.  

It is caused by a consistent and persistent prolonged emotional, physical and mental stress, often related to one’s job (but can occur in other life circumstances such as parenting, care taking etc). Contributing factors to burnout can include unmanageable workloads, lack of support, deadline pressure, lack of control over work conditions and work-life imbalance. 

While burnout and depression can share similar symptoms, they are not the same. Burnout can lead to a depressive episode, both can occur simultaneously or one can exacerbate the other. The key difference is that burnout has a strong causal factor of prolonged exposure to an unwanted and unrelenting stress from the external environment, whereas depression can occur and often does occur without a root cause.

  • Excessive stress

  • Lack of motivation

  • Dread at the thought of going to work

  • Fatigue

  • Sadness, anger, irritability

  • Increased alcohol or substance misuse

  • Insomnia

  • Lack of creativity

  • Emotional Numbness

  • A cynical outlook

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Reduced work performance 

  • Physical complaints (Headache, stomach ache, unexplained pain)

Common Burnout Symptoms

If you are struggling with burnout, you can seek help. While burnout is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it is something that the psychologists at Psychwest can support you with. Recovering from burnout is a slow process- like recovering from a broken bone, it cannot be fixed with a week’s break. It is, however, possible. 

Psychwest use a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

How We Help

Looking for a Burnout Psychologist in Perth?

Psychwest has psychologists available who are experienced in providing burnout support in Perth. 

To find out more about receiving assistance for burnout, we welcome you to get in touch with our team today to find the best psychologist for you, discuss fees and rebates, and book a session.