Burnout is a term we hear more and more often, yet surprisingly it is not officially recognised as a medical diagnosis. That doesn’t mean it isn’t real. In fact, many of the symptoms of burnout closely mirror recognised physical and mental health conditions.

The American Psychological Association defines burnout as:

“Physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion, accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes towards oneself and others.”
Although UK sources may be less explicit, this description resonates with many people who find themselves running on empty.

How Does Burnout Happen?
Burnout most commonly develops when our work-life balance becomes unmanageable. Boundaries blur, responsibilities grow, and rest becomes an afterthought. Over time, doing “just a little bit more” turns into chronic over-functioning, until performance drops and exhaustion takes over.

Many people experiencing burnout are highly driven, conscientious, and used to operating at full speed. Ironically, these strengths can make burnout harder to recognise – and harder to stop.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout can show up in many different ways, both physically and emotionally. Common symptoms include:
• Persistent fatigue and low energy
• Apathy and dissatisfaction
• Frequent headaches or physical tension
• Changes in appetite, diet, or weight
• Disrupted or poor sleep
• Symptoms that can mimic depression or anxiety
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or support networks
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Feelings of being drained, trapped, helpless, or defeated
• Cynicism or a negative outlook
• Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and overwhelm
• Procrastination and reduced motivation
• Irritability and frustration
And this list is far from exhaustive.

Why Burnout Shouldn’t Be Ignored
One of the biggest misconceptions about burnout is that it will simply resolve itself if you rest for a while or push through. Sadly, this is rarely the case.

Left unaddressed, burnout tends to worsen over time, gradually eroding your energy, focus, and capacity to manage everyday life. Eventually, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming due to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Slowing Down Isn’t Always Enough
For those who are used to being busy all the time – constantly operating at “100 miles an hour” – simply slowing down may not be sufficient. Taking your foot off the accelerator doesn’t help if you’re still moving too fast for your own wellbeing.

Many of us recognise this pattern in ourselves. We ease off slightly, but not enough to truly recover, and end up doing less than the bare minimum anyway. Burnout has a way of humbling even those who are used to supporting and caring for others.

As the saying goes: healer, heal thyself.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Burnout Alone
If any of this feels familiar, support is available. Burnout is not a personal failure – it’s a sign that something needs attention and care.

At Greenacres Health, we offer a calm, supportive space to help you understand what’s happening, regain balance, and begin your recovery in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.

If you’d like to talk, or simply explore your options, we invite you to get in touch. Taking that first small step can make a meaningful difference.