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Understanding Burnout: A Comprehensive Guide

  • Writer: Stephanie
    Stephanie
  • Mar 21
  • 3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

"I feel exhausted, and I know it's because of work." This was the first thing E. shared during our session. Long hours, a demanding job, and minimal support had created the perfect storm for burnout.


Identifying Burnout


E.’s symptoms included exhaustion, sleeplessness, trouble concentrating, and a persistently low mood. Despite knowing she wasn't clinically depressed, it felt like an unsolvable puzzle she had been managing the same way for years.


Diagnosing burnout isn’t straightforward. Its symptoms often overlap with those of depression, making it hard to distinguish one from the other. Unfortunately, this oversight may lead to inappropriate prescriptions for antidepressants—something many patients do not seek or need.


Burnout is defined as an “insufficient coping response to chronic stressors in the workplace, characterized by profound mental exhaustion and physical fatigue resulting from depleted emotional and energy resources.” This depletion significantly affects decision-making, stamina, and willpower.


Ironically, those suffering from burnout may struggle to admit it, worse, to see it. Family members might urge them to take a break, but slowing down can feel like a failure—especially for those who are accustomed to high productivity.


Signs of Burnout


Understanding the signs of burnout is crucial. Common symptoms include:


  • Chronic fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night's sleep.

  • Sleep disturbances: Difficulties falling or staying asleep.

  • Concentration problems: Finding it hard to focus or make decisions.

  • Mood swings: Experiencing feelings of hopelessness or irritability.


Recognizing these signs is the first step toward recovery.


The Physiology of Burnout


Burnout involves dysregulation of the neuroendocrine stress system. This leads to maladaptive stress responses, including:


  • Enlarged amygdala volume.

  • Dysfunctional inflammatory responses.

  • Abnormal neural activity in the prefrontal cortex.

  • Decreased gray matter volume.


Unfortunately, burnout can be mistaken for other health issues such as depression, anemia, or hypothyroidism. A key difference is cortisol secretion. While depression usually increases cortisol levels, studies on burnout often reveal lower cortisol levels. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and PTSD also share this low-cortisol pattern.


Fascinatingly, research on concentration camp survivors indicates that low cortisol levels may relate to early life trauma, affecting metabolism through epigenetic factors.


Are You at Risk?


Certain personality traits, like type-A personalities and perfectionism, heighten susceptibility to burnout. Ironically, these individuals may be less prone to depression but experience overwhelming feelings of helplessness.


Assessing Your Risk Factors


Here are some risk factors to consider:


  1. Work environment: High-pressure workplaces increase the likelihood of burnout.

  2. Personal traits: Perfectionists and overachievers may be at greater risk.

  3. Support systems: Lack of support from colleagues or supervisors can contribute to feelings of isolation.


Understanding these risks can help you take proactive steps to avoid burnout.


What Can You Do?


Many countries now uphold the Right to Disconnect, which supports employees in maintaining a work-life balance. Some individuals opt to take sick leave and gradually transition back to work part-time to assess their environment. Others choose a different role—or even an entirely new company. The cost of burnout deeply impacts businesses as well.


Helpful practices to mitigate burnout include:


  • Mindfulness and meditation: Helps promote relaxation and mental clarity.

  • Light exercise: Reduces stress and improves overall well-being.

  • Therapeutic options: Psychotherapy and, in some cases, antidepressants may provide relief, but results can vary.


Practical Tips for Prevention


  1. Set realistic goals: Avoid overextending yourself.

  2. Create boundaries: Learn to say no to additional commitments.

  3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that relax and recharge you.


How We Can Help


Our experience shows that hypnotherapy effectively addresses burnout by helping individuals:


  • Manage stress and anxiety for a sense of control.

  • Set healthy boundaries and learn to say no.

  • Promote better sleep, allowing the mind to recharge.

  • Rebuild self-esteem and boost confidence.

  • Empower positive life changes for long-term well-being.


Additional Techniques


When combined with Sophrology, we've observed remarkable benefits:


  • Sustainable stress management protocols that individuals can self-manage.

  • Enhanced mind-body connection, easing symptoms and promoting relaxation.

  • Improved self-awareness that helps raise early warning signs in similar future situations.


Check our newsletters and contact us for our exam preparation workshops running several times a year.





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