The Epidemic of Burnout and Chronic Stress: Recognising the Danger and Reclaiming Our Lives
Jan Rothney Rothney 
In our increasingly fast-paced world, burnout is more than a mere occupational hazard; it's a societal epidemic, as is chronic stress
In our increasingly fast-paced world, burnout is more than a mere occupational hazard; it's a societal epidemic. Mahatma Gandhi's sage words, "There is more to life than increasing its speed," serve as a poignant reminder of our current predicament. But understanding this reality and transforming it into actionable change are two different things.Today, we'll delve into both.
Burnout, as defined by Mental Health UK, is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress or extended engagement in physically or emotionally draining roles. Deloitte have shown that 77% of staff experienced burnout at work https://www.runn.io/blog/burnout-statistics?utm
"In Britain, Government statistics show "Stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24, 16.4 million and 7.8 million respectively. Stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24, 16.4 million and 7.8 million respectively".
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/dayslost.htm?utm
It is not just work though that is the problem: Beauregard, N., Marchand, A. & Blanc, ME. (2011) show that non work related issues are the main contributor to mental health problems. While often associated with work, burnout extends to all life domains – from our personal relationships to our duties in society, the multitude of roles we play can accumulate into a critical mass of exhaustion.
Overload, burnout and chronic stress have a huge impact on well being, including cardio vascular conditions, skin conditions, digestive problems, autoimmune function, headaches and fatigue.
In Britain Government statistics show Stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24, 16.4 million and 7.8 million respectively. Stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24, 16.4 million and 7.8 million respectively.https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/dayslost.htm?utm
The signs of burnout might seem ordinary – and in their early stages, they might even be mistaken for just the usual tiredness from a busy life. These signs often include constant fatigue, a sense of helplessness or defeat, feelings of detachment or isolation, a cynically negative outlook, self-doubt, procrastination, and feeling overwhelmed. However, the long-term implications of ignoring these symptoms can be dire, possibly leading to a complete crash, shutdown, and severe fatigue. In a shocking revelation from a 2021 study, 1 in 5 people admitted they felt 'unable to manage stress and pressure in the workplace'.
The World Health Organisation's 2019 recognition of 'burnout' as an 'occupational phenomenon' was a vital step towards acknowledging the magnitude of this problem. However, we must remember that burnout is not confined to our work lives. This epidemic can infiltrate every aspect of our existence, casting a shadow over our relationships, personal growth, and overall happiness.
So how did we get here? In an era where we are increasingly 'plugged in', the lines between work and rest, public and private, noise and silence have blurred. Our lives have become a complex web of responsibilities, tasks, and digital interactions, with little room left for replenishment, reflection, and simple rest. This imbalance isn't just unhealthy—it's unsustainable.
But amidst the alarming statistics and distressing realities, there's a silver lining: Burnout is preventable, and even reversible. The first step towards recovery is awareness, recognising the symptoms in ourselves and those around us. Once we can identify burnout for what it is, we can begin the process of healing and prevention.
This is where the Reset to Thrive program plays a crucial role. This program is designed to help individuals spot the early signs of burnout and provide strategies to address them before they develop into more serious health problems. We focus on the fundamentals: slowing down, prioritising our needs, and creating a healthier balance. The objective isn't just to prevent burnout, but to foster an environment where we can thrive.
Life isn't about relentlessly pushing forward at breakneck speed. It's about pausing and reflecting, nurturing our well-being, resetting when necessary, and allowing ourselves the space to thrive. If you feel you're teetering on the edge of burnout or have already fallen into its grips, remember that help is available. You're not alone, and it's never too late to reclaim your life from burnout.
Change starts today with small, manageable steps. Be patient with yourself, be kind to yourself, and remember that it's okay to ask for help.
Our society may value constant work and busyness, but it's time to reassess these values. Let's start recognising the importance of balance, rest, and personal well-being. Let's redefine success to include what we achieve professionally and how well we nurture ourselves and maintain our peace of mind.
Finally, I would like to stress that seeking professional help is crucial if you're experiencing severe symptoms of burnout. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide you with tools and strategies to navigate your situation effectively. If you need immediate assistance or feel you're in crisis, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health crisis line. Numerous resources are available, and seeking help is the first step to getting better.
The Reset to Thrive program is here to support you on this journey. Together, we can address burnout, promote better mental health, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Remember, life's speed isn't indicative of its quality. It's okay to slow down, to pause and to breathe. It's not just okay—it's necessary. Here's to resetting, rebalancing, and most importantly, thriving. Thank you for being with me on this journey.
Beauregard, N., Marchand, A. & Blanc, ME. What do we know about the non-work determinants of workers' mental health? A systematic review of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health 11, 439 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2...
