May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shine a light on a topic many of us know too well: burnout. It’s more than just being tired after a long week. Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can seriously impact your well-being—and it's on the rise.
Over half (52%) of employees reported feeling burned out in the past year, and 37% said they were so overwhelmed that it affected their ability to work (NAMI, 2024). So, how do you know if what you’re feeling is burnout—and more importantly, how do you bounce back?
Here are three telltale signs of work burnout, and what you can do to recover:
1. Chronic Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
It’s one thing to feel tired after a tough day. But burnout-related fatigue is persistent. You may feel physically drained even after a full night’s sleep or find yourself constantly running on empty. A majority (67%) of workers reported experiencing at least one outcome of workplace burnout, such as lack of interest, motivation, or a general sense of detachment from their work (APA, 2024).
What to Do: Reclaim your energy by prioritizing rest and recovery. Take regular breaks, commit to a consistent sleep schedule, and schedule downtime just like you would a meeting. You deserve it.
2. Declining Performance and Focus
When burnout takes hold, you may notice your productivity slipping. Tasks that once felt easy may now seem impossible, and your ability to concentrate might take a serious hit. You might also experience increased cynicism or detachment from your work, colleagues, and workplace.
What to Do: Reset your expectations and workload. Have an honest conversation with your supervisor about what’s realistic. Try time-blocking techniques or breaking big tasks into manageable chunks.
3. Emotional Exhaustion and Detachment
If you feel emotionally numb, cynical about your job, or detached from your coworkers, you’re not alone. Burnout manifests emotionally as heightened irritability, anxiety, or sadness. 56% of workers experiencing mental health symptoms cited burnout as a contributing factor (Mindshare Partners, 2021).
What to Do: Connect with support. This could mean reaching out to a therapist, talking with your HR team about mental health resources, or simply opening up to someone you trust. You don’t have to navigate burnout alone.
The Path Forward
Recognizing burnout is the first step toward recovery. And the sooner you notice it, the sooner you can start healing. Mental health matters every day, but this month is a powerful reminder to put your well-being first. You’re allowed to rest, to set boundaries, and to say no when you need to. Empower yourself to foster a healthier, more sustainable work-life balance and protect your mental well-being.
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2024). APA’s 2024 Work in America™ survey. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024
Mindshare Partners. (2021). 2021 Mental Health at Work Report. https://www.mindsharepartners.org/mentalhealthatworkreport-2021
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2024). The 2024 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll. https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/survey-reports/the-2024-nami-workplace-mental-health-poll/
