Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress . Though it’s most often brought on by problems at work, it can also be driven by stress in other areas of life, such as parenting , caretaking , or romantic relationships .
What Is Burnout? (Plain Language Explanation)
Burnout refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Burnout
- Symptoms: The specific ways burnout shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen burnout
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When burnout occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Burnout
- Burnout is far more common than most people realize
- Burnout is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with burnout see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about burnout is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing burnout, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.