Are you feeling mentally exhausted? Watch out for these common symptoms of burnout

Burnout is a condition characterised by chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged and excessive stress. It arises from persistent overwork, unrealistic demands, and a lack of control in one's professional or personal life. Symptoms of burnout include persistent fatigue, emotional depletion, diminished performance, and increased irritability. Several factors contribute to burnout, including work overload, where constant high demands and long hours overwhelm people, leaving little to no time for rest or personal activities. A lack of control, characterised by limited autonomy and decision-making power, can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration. Unclear expectations, such as ambiguous or conflicting job roles and responsibilities, contribute to stress and confusion.

Poor work-life balance, with insufficient time allocated for personal life and self-care, further exacerbates burnout. Additionally, a lack of support from supervisors or colleagues can increase stress and feelings of isolation. Burnout significantly impacts overall well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. Addressing and preventing burnout requires proactive measures such as improving work conditions, setting realistic goals, fostering a supportive environment, and ensuring a balanced approach to work and personal life. Here are seven common symptoms to watch out for, according to Delhi-based psychologist Prianka Narang.

Chronic fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep. It can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming and drain your energy levels.

Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally depleted. You might experience a sense of detachment from work or activities you once enjoyed.