Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, most often related to work. The World Health Organization classifies it as an 'occupational phenomenon' resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Persistent tiredness that rest doesn't fix, dreading work, irritability, difficulty concentrating, physical symptoms (headaches, disrupted sleep, frequent illness), and withdrawing from responsibilities or relationships. Burnout builds gradually, so the signs are easy to dismiss until they become severe.
Recovery requires addressing the underlying causes, not just resting. This may mean setting firmer boundaries, reducing or redistributing workload, reconnecting with what matters, and prioritising sleep, movement and connection. For significant burnout, professional support (GP, therapy) is valuable. Recovery takes time — burnout built over months doesn't resolve in a weekend. This is general information, not a substitute for professional advice.