Recognizing the Early Signs of Burnout

Don’t let burnout catch you off guard. Here’s how to spot the signs—and what to do next.

The office (whether it’s in your home or a far commute away, or both!) can be all-encompassing. Work was once limited to certain locations and certain hours of the day, without constant alerts from the phones that we carry with us everywhere. But professional time has now ballooned and can easily bleed into our personal time and spaces. Burning out is thus a common “occupational phenomenon” according to the World Health Organization, and one that warrants management and solutions. Knowing the signs of burnout and acting accordingly are the keys to taking burnout seriously and addressing it head on. Common signs of burnout include: :

Consistent exhaustion and depletion
Increased cynicism related to work and other domains
Increased irritability (for example, getting annoyed when emails come in)
Loss of focus (more than what is usual)
Lower productivity and professional effectiveness
Loss of enjoyment
Physical symptoms such as fatigue, disturbed sleep, and loss of appetite
Isolation and absenteeism

By calling out the early signs of burnout, we have an opportunity to take action and to safeguard our personal and professional lives. We can feel empowered by the awareness that if we can spot the problem then we can tackle the problem. Burnout can come and go, and we can have influence over its course. The process starts with realization and recognition.

Dr. Shira Yufe is a Clinical and Health Psychologist at Laksman Doell Psychology. She is interested in the intersection of our professional and personal lives, namely how work life can enhance or detract from one’s mental health. In addition to her clinical work, she lectures and provides talks in university and professional settings.