Stress & Burnout

Stress and burnout are common issues that affect a large proportion of the population at any given time. Stress is commonly defined as the body's response to demands or threats, triggering feelings of tension and anxiety. When stress becomes prolonged or chronic, it may lead to burnout.

Burnout is a state of exhaustion (emotional, mental, physical) and is not a mental health condition, but rather is characterised by the World Health Organisation as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. Burnout is often considered a workplace phenomenon, but can occur in any sphere of life in response to prolonged stress and pressures.

A significant number of UK adults experience high levels of pressure and stress. Stress can impact on sleep, energy levels, and mood, with symptoms including irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Burnout may manifest as a sense of hopelessness, cynicism towards the occupation causing issues – and towards wider life, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. It can have similar impacts to stress, but often on a longer-term, and more damaging scale.

Effective treatments for stress and burnout often include lifestyle changes such as engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, or seeking therapy. Workplace interventions, such as flexible working arrangements and mental health resources, can also play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. Opening up about experiencing stress and burnout is key to alleviating their impact.

Further information and resources:

• NHS: Stress
• Mental Health UK
• British Safety Council

Recommended books:

• “Burnout: Solve Your Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski – These bestselling authors focus on the female experience of burnout, explaining why gender differences arise, due to everyday challenges unique to women, and how to overcome them and reduce stress of both body and mind.
• “The Burnout Solution” by Siobhán Murray – Drawing on her own experiences as a psychotherapist with lived experience of burnout, Murray lays out her 12-week plan for managing and overcoming burnout, to enable you to find a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
• “Beat Stress at Work: How to Balance Your Ambition with Your Anxiety” by Mark Simmonds – Simmonds provides insight into how to protect your mental health at work, encouraging self-compassion and advocating for open and supportive workplace environments.

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