Signs of Burnout at Work

Written by: Ashley Grob, LCSW

Burnout is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of what their job may be.  Burnout goes beyond a lack of self-care and support.  Below are 8 questions to ask yourself to gauge if your work stress has actually increased to burnout:

1.  Have you started neglecting your own needs for longer than 2 weeks?

              Skipping meals, not drinking enough water, not sleeping, decreased hygiene care

2.  Are you still enjoying your usual interests?

Hobbies, spending time outside of the home or within your social circle

3.  When you feel tired, does it feel more like exhaustion, even the smallest task feels impossible?

4.  Have you noticed an increase in feeling irritable?

Being short with others, quick to anger or aggression 

5.  Do you fantasize about a different job?  Or quitting your job on the spot?

6.  Is work consuming your thoughts to the point where you can no longer focus on tasks or conversations?

7.  Are you berating yourself or harshly criticizing your usual work and abilities?

8.  Have you experienced increased physical pain without proper cause?  

Headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems

If you have answered yes to four or more of these questions you may be experiencing burnout at work.  Contact one of our therapists at Feeling and Healing Therapy to learn skills and tools to combat these negative symptoms and regain control of your stress.