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Job burnout is a state of exhaustion – both physical and emotional. It is usually the result of excessive stress over a long period. Burnout causes pain and suffering and can end up threatening your job, your relationships and your long term health.

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In order to deal with job burnout it is first necessary to identify its existence. Sometimes sufferers themselves are unaware that their problems have reached such a level. Often it is friends and family who detect the problem. Burnout does not happen from one day to the next. It is important to recognise the early signs and symptoms. These signs usually include feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, frustration, failure, apathy, detachment and irritability.

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Burnout is not the same as stress although it can be caused by an excess of stress. When we get stressed our emotions overreact, our energy levels drop and we can feel anxious and hyperactive. These are all serious problems, of course. But when the problem evolves into burnout the symptoms become even more negative; our emotions are deadened, we feel helpless and lose our motivation completely. We start to feel isolated and it is not long before depression sets in. People who feel stressed walk around the office saying “I’m stressed!” People who suffer from burnout at work keep it to themselves.

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The good news is that if we are able to notice the first signs of job burnout then we can stop it from developing further. The first step is to change your current working environment. Talk to your superiors at work about your problem. Sometimes a simple clarification of your job description will be enough to ease the situation. If you are working for a big company why not ask for a transfer to another department or another office? If you have been doing the same duties for a long time ask to do something new. You know what they say; “a change is as good as a rest”. And if burnout seems inevitable, then take time off. Either get a sick note from your doctor or ask for a temporary leave-of-absence. While you are away you can recharge your batteries and get well again.

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Finally, there are plenty of things that we can do to reduce the probability of suffering from job burnout in the future. Having positive relationships will help to keep us sane and happy. Nurture your friendships and spend quality time with your family and loved ones. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet and have regular exercise. Don’t bottle up your emotions, practise healthy communication by speaking to people who will listen and not judge you. Last, but certainly not least, make sure you give yourself a treat every day – a walk in the park, a relaxing bath, a few chapters of your favourite book … because you deserve it!