Which signs can point to burnout, and what else can lie behind them?
Typical signs of burnout can be, for example, exhaustion, cynicism towards the job and reduced performance. The same signs can also occur in depression, anxiety disorders and physical illnesses. Burnout can also involve concentration problems and a feeling of inner emptiness. Irritability can, for example, be part of depression or an anxiety disorder.
Which questions on “Burnout symptoms” does exburnout.com answer?
- How do I know if I am burned out?Signs of burnout can be exhaustion, growing distance or cynicism towards the job and reduced performance. A medical assessment shows whether, for example, a physical illness is (also) linked to the burnout syndrome.
- Am I tired or burnt out?Tiredness that rest no longer relieves can be a reason for a GP appointment. Such tiredness can be caused, for example, by sleep problems, stress, depression or a physical illness.
- Why have I become cynical about my work?Cynicism towards the job is one of the three dimensions of burnout in the WHO definition. It can appear together with exhaustion and reduced efficacy.
- Why do I feel empty and numb?Feeling empty and numb can belong to burnout. The WHO also lists feeling empty and a loss of pleasure or interest as possible features of depression. This is why a medical assessment comes first.
- Why am I so irritable and close to tears?Irritability and tearfulness can be symptoms of depression or an anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders can feel similar to burnout.
- Can an online test tell whether it is burnout?Online questionnaires are not suitable for identifying burnout according to gesund.bund.de. Research has not even agreed on a common definition of burnout.
- Why can I no longer concentrate or think clearly?Poor concentration can belong to burnout. It can also be a symptom of, for example, depression, anxiety disorders, post COVID-19 condition, sleep apnoea or an underactive thyroid.
The content on exburnout.com is for information and orientation. It is no substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency: 112 (EU), 999 (UK).