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Burnout Support & Therapy

Everywhere we turn in Singapore and beyond 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.

Many high-achieving professionals in Singapore silently push through burnout, mistaking chronic exhaustion for a personal failing rather than a predictable response to unsustainable workplace demands. In my practice, I support working professionals, executives, and caregivers who are struggling with the emotional and physical toll of prolonged stress.

As a clinical psychologist registered with the Singapore Psychological Society, with 17 years of clinical experience across Asia and the Pacific, my focus with clients is on identifying the root causes of burnout, restoring a sense of agency and meaning, and building sustainable habits that protect long-term wellbeing.

Burnout Counselling Singapore
Therapy for burnout

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged, unmanaged stress, most commonly linked to work but also seen in long-term caregiving roles. The World Health Organization’s ICD-11 recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, characterised by exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. 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. While some Singapore workplaces can be brutal in their expectations, 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?

Therapy helps by identifying the specific workplace or life factors driving burnout, addressing unrealistic self-expectations, and rebuilding the emotional resources needed to recover and prevent relapse. 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 demanding workplace in Singapore or abroad. 

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.

If you are a lawyer or professional considering support, see my page on therapy for lawyers and professionals in Singapore.

Need Help For Yourself or Someone You Care About?

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Q. What are the other services Dr. Amrit Kaur offers in Singapore and online?

Frequently Asked Questions About Burnout

Q: Is burnout a recognised medical condition?
A: Yes. The World Health Organization’s ICD-11 classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, though it is not classified as a medical condition in itself.

Q: How is burnout different from ordinary stress or tiredness?
A: Burnout develops from prolonged, unmanaged stress and involves persistent exhaustion, cynicism or detachment, and reduced effectiveness, whereas ordinary stress or tiredness is typically shorter-term and improves with rest.

Q: Can high performers experience burnout?
A: Yes. High performers are often more, not less, likely to experience burnout, as chronic pressure, heavy workload, and unrealistic self-expectations can affect even those who are highly capable and successful.

Q: Do I need to quit my job to recover from burnout?
A: Not necessarily. While some clients do reassess their role or workplace, recovery often focuses on setting healthier boundaries, addressing unmet psychological needs, and building sustainable coping strategies within or beyond the current role.

Q: How long does it take to recover from burnout?
A: Recovery time varies depending on severity and individual circumstances, and therapy can help identify realistic, personalised steps to rebuild energy, meaning, and boundaries over time.