HOW BURNOUT AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH

DR. WILLIAM HASEK

Burnout is on the rise.

According to a recent poll by Gallup, 76% of employees report experiencing burnout at some point, and 28% say that they feel burnt out nearly all the time

Unsurprisingly, people experiencing burnout are more likely to have symptoms of depression and insomnia; however, the consequences are not only psychological. A recent meta-analysis revealed that burnout is associated with a variety of physical health issues, including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, headaches, stomach/digestive issues, muscle and joint pain, and – most alarmingly – significant increases in risk of death among those below the age of 45.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that therapy is effective in treating burnout. Unfortunately, many adults do not recognize when they are approaching burnout, and consequently, they do not seek help soon enough. Part of the reason may be due to gender stereotypes.

While previous studies suggested that women experience burnout at higher rates than men, some important research casts doubt on this finding.

What is Burnout?

To better understand the research, first it’s important to understand what it means to be burned out.

There are many different types of burnout, but the most common, and the one we’re focusing on here, is ‘workplace burnout’. In 2019, the World Health Organization defined burnout as a result of “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”*

Most psychologists distinguish between three components of burnout:

Exhaustion – A sense of tiredness and fatigue. People who are burnt out often describe themselves as being depleted, both physically and emotionally.
Depersonalization – A sense of cynicism and interpersonal detachment. As a person becomes more and more burnt out, they tend to become negative about their job and to come across as uncaring to both their colleagues and close acquaintances.
Decreased personal accomplishment – A sense of diminished competence and contribution. People who are burnt out often report that they do not feel good about the work they are doing and wonder whether their efforts make any difference in the larger scheme of things.

Do Men and Women Experience Burnout Differently?

Because most discussions of burnout focus primarily on exhaustion, this has led to the stereotype that women are more likely to experience burnout than men. A 2010 meta-analysis showed that when all three components of burnout were considered, both women and men showed similar rates of burnout; however, women were more likely to report feeling exhausted when they are burnt out, whereas men were more likely to report experiences of depersonalization.

These gender stereotypes can be harmful to both women and men.

We also know that therapy can dramatically improve your quality of life. It can help you avoid becoming burnt out in your career which can prevent you from moving forward and achieving greater success. Also, the goal is that it will have a long-term impact. Our hope is that you will learn to be your own best coach and therapist long after we’ve finished working together.

Women and Burnout

Women may be more reluctant to seek help for burnout, fearing that doing so could reinforce sexist notions that women are more emotionally fragile and unable to handle workplace demands.

Men and Burnout

Men, on the other hand, may not recognize that they are feeling burnt out because they are not experiencing the pervasive sense of exhaustion that is most often highlighted in discussions of the issue.

If you are experiencing any of the three symptoms of burnout, do not hesitate to reach out. Help is available, and the experienced clinicians at Momentum Psychology are ready to help restore your sense of energy and purpose – both at work and in your personal life. The fortunate news is that even short-term therapy lasting 8-10 sessions can make a huge difference in your well-being. As we enter 2023, start the New Year by resolving to do something about your burnout and put your career and personal life on a strong footing.

References

Table of Contents

McFarland, D. C., & Hlubocky, F. (2021). Therapeutic strategies to tackle burnout and emotional exhaustion in frontline medical staff: Narrative review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 1429-1436.

Purvanova, R. K., & Muros, J. P. (2010). Gender differences in burnout: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 168-185.

Wigert, B. (2020, March 13). Employee burnout: The biggest myth. Retrieved December 26, 2022, from Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/288539/employee-burnout-biggest-myth.aspx

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What is burnout, exactly?

Burnout is a work-related syndrome caused by chronic, unmanaged workplace stress. It has three parts: exhaustion, cynicism/mental distance from work, and reduced efficacy. It’s formally listed in ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon—not a disease.

Is burnout a mental illness?

No. Burnout isn’t classified as a mental disorder. Still, it interacts with mental health—people with burnout have higher rates of problems like depression and insomnia, so it deserves real care and early support.

What are the most common signs I might be burned out?

Common flags include low energy, sleep changes, irritability, reduced motivation, trouble focusing, and more headaches or stomach issues. When these persist and are tied to work stress, consider a check-in with a clinician.

How is burnout different from depression or anxiety?

They can overlap (fatigue, sleep issues, concentration problems), but burnout is tied to work stressors and defined by that exhaustion–cynicism–efficacy triad; depression is a clinical mood disorder that isn’t limited to work context. A professional can screen for both.

Can burnout affect physical health, not just mood?

Yes. Prospective studies link burnout with higher risk of cardiometabolic issues (e.g., cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease), headaches, GI problems, musculoskeletal pain, and sickness absence. Your body keeps the score on chronic stress.

Does burnout disrupt sleep?

Often. Burnout and insomnia are closely connected—chronic stress ramps up arousal systems, making it harder to fall or stay asleep; poor sleep then worsens fatigue and mood. Treating both the stressors and the sleep pattern helps.

How long does burnout recovery take?

It varies by severity, supports, and whether the stressors change. Clinicians note recovery can take months—sometimes longer if the environment stays the same—so early action and a plan matter.

What treatments or approaches can help?

Best-supported tools include CBT-based strategies (rebuilding routines, boundaries, problem-solving, values-aligned actions) and ACT-based skills (acceptance, defusion, values, committed action). Evidence reviews suggest these approaches can reduce burnout symptoms across groups. Organizational fixes (workload, role clarity, manager support) also matter.

Is burnout only about paid work? What about students or caregivers?

By definition (ICD-11), “burnout” describes phenomena in the occupational context. Similar exhaustion patterns can happen in school or caregiving—the mechanisms are comparable—even if they’re technically described with different terms. Care is still appropriate either way.

How common is burnout?

Large workforce surveys consistently find it’s widespread: about three in four employees report burnout at least sometimes, and about one in four feel it very often or always. If you’re noticing signs, you’re not alone—and help works.