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Burnout and stress

When working hard and providing for others has left you running on empty.

Get help nowTake the self-check

Many men carry the weight of providing for a family, an extended family and a community. When the pressure never lets up, stress becomes burnout: a deep exhaustion of body and mind that rest alone does not fix.

A man leaning on a table under heavy strain while an older man rests a supportive hand on his shoulder

Signs of burnout

  • Exhaustion that does not go away

    You wake up tired and stay tired, even after a weekend or a holiday.

  • Cynicism and detachment

    You feel numb or bitter about work, and care less about things you used to take pride in.

  • Feeling ineffective

    No matter how much you do, it feels like it is never enough.

  • Physical symptoms

    Headaches, tight shoulders, poor sleep, frequent illness and loss of appetite.

Ways to recover

  1. 1

    Name it

    Say out loud, to yourself or someone else, that you are overloaded. It is the first step to changing something.

  2. 2

    Cut one thing

    Look at what you can pause, delegate or say no to, even temporarily.

  3. 3

    Protect real rest

    Rest that is actually rest: sleep, time away from your phone, a walk, time with people who ask nothing of you.

  4. 4

    Get support

    A counsellor or doctor can help if symptoms continue for more than a few weeks.

Am I burned out?

Private. Your answers stay on this device and are not saved or sent anywhere. This is not a diagnosis.

Over the last month, how often have you felt this way?

0 of 8 answered

  1. 1. I feel physically and emotionally exhausted
  2. 2. I feel drained even after rest or time off
  3. 3. I feel cynical or detached about work or responsibilities
  4. 4. I feel I am never doing enough, however hard I try
  5. 5. I get frequent headaches, aches or illness
  6. 6. I am more irritable or short with people
  7. 7. I dread having to do things I used to handle easily
  8. 8. I have no time or energy for the things I enjoy

Talk to someone

  • National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline

    0800 678 678

    Run by the Mental Health Authority. Toll-free.

    Free to call

  • National Emergency Line

    112

    Police, ambulance and fire. Use it if someone is in immediate danger.

    Free to call

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