Can you remember a time in your life when you dreamed about the future—when possibilities felt endless and your ambitions knew no bounds? Those years were filled with hope, promise, and excitement about what was to come. Ideally, we carry some of that optimism with us. But as we grow older, reality often gets in the way. Deadlines, bills, and responsibilities pile up, and there never seems to be enough time to do everything.

What is Burnout?

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but ideally, our downtime helps us recharge so we can face new challenges with energy and focus. But what happens when time off doesn’t leave us feeling refreshed—when it simply allows us to function at the bare minimum until we return to work, exhausted all over again? Burnout is more than just stress. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged, unmanageable stress. It leaves us feeling drained, unmotivated, and disengaged from work and life. Over time, burnout erodes our ability to make decisions, leaving us feeling powerless, cynical, and defeated.

Signs of Burnout

• Do you work longer hours than you’d like?
• Does work regularly interfere with your family responsibilities?
• Do you see ways your job could be improved but feel unheard or powerless to make changes?
• Have you lost pride in your work?
• Do you use alcohol or marijuana to cope with job-related stress?
• Have you stopped talking to your partner about work because it feels pointless?
• Do you struggle to fall or stay asleep, and has this been an issue for more than three months?
• Do you find yourself becoming angry or irritable more easily than before?
• Have you lost interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed?
• Do you feel like no effort you make will truly change things?

What Your Answers Might Mean

These questions serve as a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you answered yes to at least one of the first four questions and at least two additional questions from the rest of the list, you may be at risk for burnout. If none of the first four questions apply to you but you still experience mental or emotional exhaustion, other mental health concerns may be at play. Seeking professional guidance can help you determine the best path forward.

What Can You Do About Burnout?

• Set Boundaries – Establish clear work-life boundaries to protect your personal time and energy.
• Engage in Self-Reflection – Take time to assess what is causing your stress and how it can be managed.
• Shift Your Focus – Identify aspects of your work or life that you can control and make small, positive changes.
• Prioritize Self-Care – Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Get Support

If you’re struggling with burnout, you don’t have to face it alone. Start My Wellness is a behavioral health practice in Ferndale, Michigan, offering therapy and psychiatric care to help individuals recover from burnout. We also invite you to join us for our free monthly podcast, where we discuss mental health topics, including this month’s focus: Burnout—Identification, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies. We’d love to have you join the conversation. Taking the first step toward healing is the key to regaining balance in your life. If you’re ready to address burnout, reach out for support today.