Do you find it is difficult to focus on work?
Are you experiencing an increase in frustration or irritability at work?
Do you have trouble staying motivated at work?
Burnout is characterized by three types of symptoms:
- exhaustion
- alienation from (work-related activities)
- reduced performance
Stages of Burnout
Winona University designed a five-stage model of burnout which is supported by peer researchers.
Which one resonates with you?
marked by high job satisfaction, commitment, energy, and creativity, the key issue is what patterns of coping strategies you begin to develop when facing the inevitable stresses of the job. In theory, if the patterns of coping are positive, adaptive, then you will remain in the honeymoon stage indefinitely. But few persons do.
as opposed to the unbridled optimism and positiveness of Stage 1, you now are clearly aware that some days are better than others regarding how well you are handling the stress on the job. An awareness of a noticeable increase in the following is indicative of Stage 2:
2.1 job dissatisfaction
2.2 work inefficiency, including avoiding making necessary decisions, “losing” stuff at work (even on your desk!), etc.
2.3 fatigue (a general fatigue, often accompanied by deep muscle fatigue)
2.4 sleep disturbances (often that you are so “busy” in your head that you can’t get to sleep)
2.5 escapist activities of choice (including eating, drinking, smoking, zoning out in front of the TV, etc.)
marked by an intensification of some of the same indicators cited in Stage 2, including
3.1 chronic exhaustion
3.2 physical illness (remember that stress is a risk factor in many diseases)
3.3 anger, depression
the symptoms become critical
4.1 physical symptoms intensify and/or increase in number
4.2 obsessing about work frustrations
4.3 pessimism and self-doubt dominate thinking
4.4 you develop an “escapist mentality”
The symptoms of burnout are so embedded in your life that you are more likely to be labeled as having some significant physical or emotional problem than you are to be called a burnout case.
Please note this toolkit is for informational and psychoeducational purposes. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the information in this toolkit is current and accurate. This toolkit is not a replacement for psychological, psychiatric, or medical services or advice you may have received. This toolkit is not a substitute for clinical mental health care.
If you are struggling with coping skills and stress management, we recommend connecting with a mental health professional such as your doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist.
If you have difficulty implementing these strategies and require further assistance, we recommend connecting with a mental health professional such as a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist.
If you notice that your feelings, emotions, and behaviour negatively impact you, please seek professional support. Wellness Together is a free, bilingual, 24/7 resource for all Canadians wellnesstogether.ca.
- Wellness together also offers a peer support warmline
- CMHA National offers BounceBack, a free mental health coaching service
- Your employer may offer Employment Assistance Plans (EAP) with no-cost counselling
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Canadian Suicide Prevention Helpline toll-free at 1-833-456-4566 or text WELLNESS to 741741. Geographic resources by province are also available.
