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Burnout Support & Therapy

Everywhere we turn these days, friends and colleagues complain about burnout. 

According to a Gallup International study from 2022 (n>50,000),  30-50% of our lives are spent at work, or recovering from work. 

13 percent of us like our work most of the time, 63 percent are sleepwalking & tolerate it and 24 percent absolutely hate it. 

While it is tempting to assume that burnout is the domain of those who hate their jobs, or are overworked and underpaid, this is not always the case. In the sections below, we outline the common causes of burnout  as well as what we can do about it.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout results from long term stress, whether at a job, at a business, or even in a long standing caregiving role such as that of an ageing parent. It develops slowly, and can present in different ways such as overwhelming tiredness, irritability, low motivation, and a feeling of disconnection and despair.

The factors that cause burnout are many, but key considerations particularly in workplace burnout are:

When the above requirements are consistently met, work has the potential to feel supportive, meaningful and balanced. When several boxes remain unmet, burnout is often the result.

Is Laziness A Cause Of Burnout?

Workplace burnout  doesn’t represent laziness or incompetence nor absence of commitment. It’s not a sign of weakness- in fact, high performers are more likely to suffer burnout because of chronic pressure, excessive workload, or poor workplace culture. It can occur also because of one’s expectation of one’s self that can be unrealistic in the given circumstances. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Burnout?

Protect your mental health by identifying the signs of burnout:

Emotional Signs

  • Irritability or frustration
  • Feeling helpless or trapped
  • Emotional fatigue or numbness

Physical Symptoms

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Persistent tiredness
  • Headaches, muscle tension, or lowered immunity

Behavioural / Workplace-Related Signs

  • Declining performance
  • Avoiding tasks or meetings
  • Withdrawal from teamwork or
  • Communication
  • Communication
  • Chronic procrastination Poor focus
In some instances, individuals with burnout present with symptoms very similar to anxiety. This is when stress levels are especially high.

Why Get Therapy For Burnout?

High expectations are common in Singapore workplaces, and not enough attention is always paid to workplace demands and culture. Overworking is often normalised, as is being available to answer text messages and emails on the weekends.

Everyone can suffer burnout, people working in some professions are more prone burnout than others. High-risk groups include teachers, nurses, lawyers and corporate executives. 

The effects of burnout go beyond productivity. They can affect all areas of  life. Clients with burnout complain about feeling “absent” both at work and at home, feeling irritable  with their children, depressed and stressed. They often withdraw from friends, family and previously valued pursuits and feel a general sense of hopelessness and despair. Others report significantly high levels of anxiety. Whatever the emotional experience caused by burnout, it often has serious implications for physical health with burnt out clients often reporting irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches or more serious health conditions. 

How Do I Know If I Am Burnt Out?

Here’s a free assessment tool that can help you determine if Burnout is something to be concerned about:

https://health.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Documents/Burnout-Assessment-Tool.pdf

Treatment and Support Services

At Dr Amrit’s clinic, we combine clinical psychology experience with years of experience working with medical professionals, lawyers, corporate executives and other professionals. We provide experienced support so you can meet your own neglected needs while also managing the realities and expectations of the workplace. 

What Can I Do To Look After Myself If I'm Feeling Burnt Out?

  • Set healthy workload boundaries
  • Assess if your expectations of yourself are realistic in the context of current circumstances – For example, am I expecting too much of myself? Are my financial goals realistic given the circumstances? Do I set reasonable expectations of what can be achieved in a day? Am I clear about what can and cannot control?
  • Ask if your workplace is meeting the following fundamental human needs necessary for good mental health
  • Feelings of belonging
  • Having Purpose or Meaning
  • Being seen, validated and valued
  • Being seen, validated and valued
  • Feelings of control and competence
  • Having a future at the workplace that feels somewhat secure
  • Time and capacity for priorities outside of work

If these are not met, it becomes more likely that burnout will result.

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