Emotional Burnout: How to Recognise It and Recover

Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a state of emotional and mental exhaustion that builds up when stress goes on too long and you don’t have enough time to recover. It’s especially common in people with demanding jobs or caregiving roles — doctors, teachers, social workers, managers, or parents. Left unchecked, burnout affects not only your wellbeing but also your relationships and performance.

What Causes Burnout?

Burnout usually develops from a mix of factors, including:

• Excessive demands — constant deadlines, high responsibility, or emotional overload.

• Lack of recovery — poor sleep, little physical activity, unhealthy routines.

• Unmanaged stress — ongoing pressure, unresolved conflicts, or dissatisfaction at work.

• Low support — feeling isolated, lacking autonomy, or missing preventive resources.

• Weak boundaries — difficulty saying “no” and protecting personal time.

Understanding your risk factors is the first step to preventing burnout.

Common Symptoms

Burnout looks different for everyone, but the most common signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and lack of energy, even after rest.

• Reduced motivation and interest in work or hobbies.

• Emotional detachment — feeling numb, withdrawn, or disconnected.

• Lower concentration and productivity; procrastination.

• Mood changes such as irritability, sadness, or hopelessness.

Recognising these symptoms early is crucial — because recovery is much easier when you act before exhaustion becomes overwhelming.

Consequences of Ignoring Burnout

Burnout doesn’t stay “just in your head.” It can spread into every part of life:

• Mental health risks — depression, anxiety, addiction, or loss of meaning.

• Physical health decline — headaches, stomach problems, high blood pressure, weakened immunity.

• Loss of joy and drive — difficulty enjoying life or feeling purpose.

• Strained relationships — harder to connect emotionally with loved ones.

• Low self-esteem — doubts about your competence and abilities.

This is why recovery and prevention are equally important.

Burnout Recovery and Prevention with Pleso Therapy

At Pleso Therapy therapists take a holistic approach, offering both immediate relief and long-term strategies:

• Burnout assessment — understanding your unique triggers and experiences.

• Individual therapy — building stress-regulation tools, setting boundaries, and restoring energy.

• Group therapy & workshops — connecting with others who face similar challenges and sharing coping strategies.

• Stress management techniques — from mindfulness and relaxation exercises to cognitive-behavioural tools.

• Self-discovery — exploring your values and strengths to better understand what drives you.

• Long-term balance — creating sustainable routines that support both emotional and physical wellbeing.

At Pleso Therapy, process of therapy is flexible, online, and evidence-based — making it easier to get the support you need, when you need it.

Taking the First Step

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’ve carried too much for too long. With the right support, you can restore balance, rebuild energy, and reconnect with joy.