Burnout Therapy Online
What is burnout?
Burnout is a psychological issue described as profound exhaustion, reduced performance, and a sense of detachment from one’s work or daily activities. It is often accompanied by feelings of inefficacy, and emotional withdrawal. This problem primarily affects those who experience prolonged and intense stress, particularly in demanding work environments or caregiving roles. The negative effects of burnout are not limited to the workplace; it can also permeate personal life and relationships.
Symptoms of burnout manifest on various levels—physically, emotionally, and cognitively. At a physical level, the person may experience chronic fatigue, sleep difficulties, and compromised immune function. Emotional indicators comprise a sense of emptiness, irritability, and decreased motivation. Cognitively, people may struggle with a lack of focus, memory, and decision-making.
Those in high-pressure jobs, healthcare workers, educators, and caregivers are particularly vulnerable to burnout due to the demanding nature of their responsibilities. The causes of burnout are varied, including factors such as excessive workload, lack of control, insufficient support, and a mismatch between personal values and organisational demands.
Overcoming burnout is possible if you take proactive steps to address stressors. Establishing boundaries, prioritising self-care, and mindfulness. If you feel you can’t find a way out on your own, a therapist can help. Contact us if you want to further discuss your situation.
How to book your session
Email now: [email protected]
Our therapists are qualified and registered with reputable professional associations for psychotherapy and counselling.
When to seek help for burnout?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to seek professional assistance:
- When symptoms persist: If the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of burnout persist for more than a few weeks and start affecting your daily functioning, it’s a sign that seeking help is necessary.
- Decreased performance: If you notice a significant decline in your work or academic performance, missing deadlines, making frequent mistakes, or struggling with concentration.
- Physical health issues: Physical symptoms like chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and digestive problems are common indicators of burnout. If these symptoms persist or worsen.
- Emotional distress: If you experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or even thoughts of self-harm, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. These emotions might indicate a more severe mental health issue.
- Loss of interest: When activities you once enjoyed no longer bring pleasure, and you feel a persistent sense of emptiness or detachment.
- Difficulty coping: If your usual coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, or engaging in hobbies, no longer help you manage stress and emotional challenges.
- Inability to set boundaries: If you find it difficult to establish and maintain boundaries between work and personal life, leading to a constant state of overwhelm.
- Lack of motivation: A significant loss of motivation and enthusiasm for both work and personal activities can be indicative of burnout. Seeking help can assist in regaining your sense of purpose and drive.
- Feedback from others: If friends, family members, colleagues, or supervisors express concern about your well-being.
Therapy for burnout
Therapy can be an effective approach to addressing burnout. Different therapeutic modalities offer strategies to manage stress, restore balance, and cultivate resilience. Here are a few therapy options commonly used for treating burnout:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to burnout. Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based therapies teach individuals to be present in the moment and cultivate awareness, contributing to better stress management, improved attention, and reduced emotional reactivity.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and emotions while committing to actions aligned with their values. This approach helps individuals detach from unhelpful patterns and work towards meaningful goals.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT is goal-oriented and focuses on identifying practical solutions and strengths rather than dwelling on problems. It can help individuals find small, achievable steps to manage burnout and improve their situation.
- Coaching: If you are experiencing burnout due to career dissatisfaction, career coaching can help you explore your passions, find new job paths, and create a new more exciting professional landscape for yourself. In addition to therapy, we also offer coaching services, so contact us for more information!
Our approach to burnout therapy
At Psychology Therapy we have a special passion for working with employees, managers, entrepreneurs and teams. Our experience in corporate counselling allows us to recognise the difficulties people may encounter at the workplace and gives us the knowledge and skills required to help you overcome any challenge. We love working with professionals and helping them thrive at work and in life. Hence, our priority is the use of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and third-wave therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
Causes
Burnout is the result of prolonged and excessive exposure to chronic stressors, typically in work or caregiving environments. The causes of burnout are multiple and can vary from person to person, but they often comprise a combination of individual, organisational, and environmental factors. Here are some common causes of burnout:
- Workload and pressure: Excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic stress, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
- Lack of control: When individuals have little say in their work tasks, decision-making, or the direction of their projects, it can lead to a feeling of powerlessness and contribute to burnout.
- Lack of autonomy: Having limited autonomy or flexibility in how work is performed can lead to a sense of being micromanaged and hinder a person’s ability to utilise their skills and creativity.
- Lack of recognition: A lack of acknowledgement for one’s efforts and contributions can lead to feelings of unappreciation and devaluation, contributing to emotional exhaustion.
- Job mismatch: When there’s a significant misalignment between an individual’s values, skills, and the demands of the job, it can lead to a sense of disillusionment and frustration.
- Unsupportive work environment: An unsupportive or toxic workplace culture, characterised by interpersonal conflicts, lack of teamwork, and inadequate resources, can intensify stress and negatively impact well-being.
- Unclear expectations: When job roles and expectations are unclear, individuals can feel unsure about what is expected of them, leading to stress and anxiety.
- High emotional demands: Occupations that require constant emotional labour, such as healthcare, customer service, and caregiving, can be emotionally draining, contributing to burnout.
- Lack of work-life balance: When work responsibilities spill into personal time and space, it can disrupt the balance between work and personal life, leading to burnout.
- Perfectionism: Striving for perfection and setting excessively high standards can lead to chronic stress and dissatisfaction, increasing the risk of burnout.
- Inadequate resources: A lack of necessary tools, support, and training to perform job tasks effectively can contribute to frustration and burnout.
- Personal factors: Individual characteristics, such as personality traits, coping styles, and previous experiences with stress, can influence one’s susceptibility to burnout.
- Financial pressure: Economic stress, job insecurity, or financial difficulties can exacerbate feelings of burnout as individuals struggle to meet both work and personal obligations.
- Health concerns: Poor physical health, chronic illnesses, or insufficient sleep can reduce one’s resilience to stress and increase the likelihood of burnout.
- Career development challenges: A lack of opportunities for growth, advancement, or skill development can lead to a sense of stagnation and contribute to burnout.
Symptoms
Burnout is characterised by a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that develop gradually as a result of chronic stress and prolonged exposure to demanding situations. The symptoms of burnout can vary in intensity and presentation from person to person. Here are common symptoms associated with burnout:
Physical symptoms
- Chronic fatigue and low energy levels, even after restful sleep.
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Frequent headaches, muscle tension, and bodily aches.
- Weakened immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to illnesses.
- Digestive problems or changes in appetite.
Emotional symptoms
- Emotional exhaustion: Feeling emotionally drained and depleted.
- Increased irritability, impatience, and short temper.
- A sense of detachment or emotional numbness.
- Reduced sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in one’s work or activities.
- Increased cynicism or negative attitudes toward work, colleagues, or life in general.
- Feelings of hopelessness or a loss of purpose.
Cognitive symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Impaired memory and forgetfulness.
- Reduced creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Negative self-talk and self-criticism.
- Heightened feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
Behavioural symptoms
- Decreased motivation and productivity.
- Procrastination or avoidance of tasks.
- Isolation and withdrawal from social interactions.
- Neglect of personal responsibilities and self-care.
- Escapist behaviours, such as excessive use of technology, gaming, or substance abuse.
Interpersonal symptoms
- Strained relationships with colleagues, friends, and family due to increased irritability and emotional detachment.
- Reduced empathy and sensitivity toward others’ needs and feelings.
- Communication difficulties and conflicts arising from heightened stress levels.
Performance and professional symptoms
- Decreased work performance and productivity.
- Frequent absenteeism or tardiness.
- Increased errors and mistakes in tasks.
- Difficulty meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities.
- Feeling overwhelmed by even minor tasks.
Mental health symptoms
- Heightened levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Increased vulnerability to developing anxiety disorders or mood disorders.
Do you offer burnout therapy near me?
We offer online burnout therapy because this way we can reach you out whenever you are in the world. We are trained in the United Kingdom and provide cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
We can help with burnout!
We acknowledge the significant toll that burnout can take on your overall well-being, and we're here to provide the guidance and assistance you need during this demanding phase. Contact us now, and let's embark on this journey together.