4 Signs You May Be Burnt Out

This article is a part of a 2 part series on Workplace Burnout: how to identify it and how to manage it. Burnout is a state of chronic stress, when one is no longer able to function properly. It is caused by constant distress which has built up over time. Here are the signs to look out for that are your bodies way of telling you to take a step back.

1. Feelings of irritation
If you find yourself constantly irritated by things that seem small and nonsensical, this may be a sure sign that you are headed for burnout. This may just start as just a feeling of irritation and if unmanaged can lead to feelings of anger or rage. Anger that’s not controlled can have serious consequences on your professional and personal life. So if you feel constant irritation it may be time to take a break.

2. Physiological Symptoms
If you are experiencing unexplainable physical symptoms such as a sore stomach or constant aching head, it may be a sign of burnout. There symptoms are more obvious but often people may misinterpret the cause of the discomfort and brush it aside.

3. Sleep disturbance and feelings of lethargy
Depleted energy and constant tiredness as a result of insomnia type symptoms or a lack of opportunity to sleep can be detrimental to your functioning. If you find yourself relying upon caffeinated drinks to survive it may be time to take a break before you hit burnout. Studies have shown that “a person who has been awake for 17 hours faces the same risk of a crash as a person who has a Blood Alcohol Content reading of 0.05” and are twice as likely to crash their car than someone who has consumed no alcohol.

4. Reduced performance in the workplace
Reduced performance can be a sign that your concentration while at work is being affected. A lack of concentration is one of the first symptoms of burnout. This may present in various ways such as feelings of indecisiveness or helplessness. You may also experience feelings of being unproductive or frustrations that work is taking a long time to complete.


It is important that you self-reflect to establish if you are affected by any aspects mentioned above. In the next alert, we will give you some strategies to manage and overcome burnout. The important thing to remember now is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you require any assistance, please contact your company’s EAP service or call Beyond Blue’s Support Service on 1300 224636.