Psychologist explains: "Empty and irritable inside" – The insidious symptoms of burnout

Feeling exhausted during stressful periods is normal to a certain extent. However, if the exhaustion persists, doesn't improve with rest or days off, and increasingly interferes with daily life, burnout may be the cause. Burnout is usually manifested by persistent lack of energy, an increasingly negative or cynical attitude toward your job, and the feeling of being less able to perform.

Other typical symptoms include a feeling of inner emptiness, a loss of joy, and experiencing even small tasks as overwhelming. Physical complaints such as sleep disturbances, pain, or digestive problems can also be warning signs. The key is whether sufficient rest and relaxation can help you feel energized and fit again in the long term after stressful periods. If you're unsure, you should seek professional advice early on.

Dr. Eva Elisa Schneider is a psychotherapist and expert in mental health in the workplace. She works as a speaker and trainer with international companies in the areas of health management and organizational development. Previously, she gained extensive experience as a manager in a health tech company and worked for many years in academia and the healthcare sector. Visit her website here.

Burnout always begins gradually. Many sufferers don't initially realize that the constant stress is increasingly taking its toll on their body and mind. They continue to function, but feel increasingly empty or irritable inside. Many lose interest in hobbies they otherwise enjoy, withdraw more and more socially, and feel driven.

Often, the first signs are noticed by others in their own environment, but those affected are rarely able to accept hints from friends and family. They try to continue coping with the workload and are like stuck in a tunnel. However, those who listen to these signals early and take the concerns of those around them seriously can seek help and take countermeasures.

People in social, medical, or helping professions are particularly affected. People with high levels of responsibility, such as managers, are also vulnerable. Compared to the genders, women are at higher risk due to greater structural stress.

A frequently overlooked risk is the tendency to set high standards for oneself, to have difficulty saying no, or to define oneself by performance. This often affects particularly committed, motivated, and conscientious people. However, it's important to emphasize that burnout always results from an interplay between external stressors and internal pressure and can never be attributed to a single cause. Burnout is not a sign of failure, but rather a consequence of chronic work-related overload.

First, take an honest look and take the warning signs mentioned above seriously. Even if it's difficult, it helps to reduce tasks, schedule short breaks, and consciously create time for relaxation.

If you have trusted people around you, you should talk to them – this often relieves more stress than you might think. Overall, I definitely recommend seeking professional help, because the sooner you act, the better the chances of recovery. Burnout is very treatable!

A good first step is to see your family doctor. There, you can discuss accompanying symptoms such as sleep problems, discuss next steps, and, if necessary, get a sick note. For in-depth, long-term treatment, I recommend psychosomatic clinics, specialized burnout clinics, or psychotherapists.

Health insurance companies and counseling centers also now offer helpful services. There are also some digital services that can be prescribed by a doctor, for example, if waiting times for a hospital stay or psychotherapy need to be bridged (so-called "digital health applications," also known as DiGas).

It's important to understand that recovering from burnout takes time and there are no quick fixes, even if you wish there were at the time. The best strategy and next steps should be discussed with your family doctor.

Constant availability is a risk factor that many underestimate . Those who are "on" around the clock, responding immediately to emails, or constantly on their phones no longer get any real rest. The brain remains in a constant state of alert and alert, unable to switch off.

Over time, this leads to inner restlessness, sleep problems, and chronic tension. Digital boundaries are therefore urgently needed to give the nervous system time to regenerate. These offline times protect our mental health far more than we'd like to admit.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.