Written by Lisa Edmondson (Masters Health Coaching (HCANZA), BHsNursing (169984), PostGradDipPH, PostGradDipEd)
Burnout has become one of the most talked-about health concerns of the modern era. It’s a word used casually in conversation — “I’m burnt out” — but behind that phrase is often a very real and serious health experience.
At Global Health, we see firsthand how burnout affects individuals differently. It doesn’t follow a single pattern, and it certainly doesn’t look the same in men and women. Understanding what burnout truly is — and isn’t — is the first step toward recovery.
Is Burnout Actually “A Thing”?
Yes. Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. While it is not classified as a medical condition in itself, the effects of burnout can significantly impact both physical and mental health.
Burnout sits at the intersection of prolonged stress, emotional exhaustion, and reduced capacity to function effectively — at work and often at home.
Left unaddressed, burnout can contribute to anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular strain, immune dysfunction, and chronic fatigue.
So while the term may be used loosely, the physiological and psychological effects are very real.
What Actually Causes Burnout?
Burnout develops when stress becomes chronic and recovery time is insufficient. It’s rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it accumulates over time.
Common contributors include:
- High workload with little control
- Lack of recognition or reward
- Role ambiguity or conflicting demands
- Poor workplace culture or leadership
- Emotional labour (particularly in caregiving professions)
- Perfectionism and high personal expectations
- Financial pressure
- Caregiving responsibilities outside of work
Importantly, burnout is not simply about “working too hard.” It’s about sustained stress without adequate autonomy, support, or recovery.
Biologically, chronic stress keeps the nervous system in a prolonged state of activation. Cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated, sleep becomes disrupted, inflammation increases, and cognitive function declines. Over time, the body’s stress response becomes dysregulated — leading to exhaustion, brain fog, irritability, and emotional detachment.
How Burnout Presents in Women
While burnout can affect anyone, women often present with:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Tearfulness or heightened anxiety
- Feelings of guilt (“I should be coping better”)
- Difficulty switching off mentally
- Sleep disturbance
- Increased self-criticism
- Over-functioning (continuing to perform despite depletion)
Many women carry a dual load — professional responsibilities alongside caregiving or household management. Emotional labour, both paid and unpaid, increases vulnerability to burnout.
Women may seek help earlier, often presenting with anxiety or low mood before identifying burnout as the underlying driver.
How Burnout Presents in Men
Men’s burnout can look different and is often under-recognised.
Common presentations include:
- Irritability or anger
- Emotional withdrawal
- Reduced motivation
- Increased alcohol use
- Working longer hours as avoidance
- Physical symptoms (headaches, back pain, gut issues)
- Risk-taking behaviours
Rather than describing “exhaustion,” men may report feeling “flat,” “frustrated,” or “fed up.” Cultural conditioning can discourage emotional expression, meaning burnout may manifest behaviourally rather than verbally.
As a result, men often present later — sometimes when physical health has already been affected.
Why Burnout Looks Different for Each Person
Burnout is shaped by:
- Personality (perfectionist vs. people-pleaser vs. high achiever)
- Coping style
- Trauma history
- Workplace culture
- Home environment
- Support systems
- Hormonal and physiological differences
Two people in the same job can experience completely different levels of strain. One may feel energised; the other depleted. Burnout is less about the job title and more about the interaction between stress and available resources.
The Early Warning Signs
Burnout rarely appears overnight. Early signs include:
- Feeling tired even after rest
- Dreading work or daily tasks
- Reduced empathy
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
- Increased cynicism
- Loss of enjoyment
- Physical tension or frequent illness
Recognising these early signs is critical. The earlier intervention occurs, the easier recovery can be.
Recovery: What Actually Helps?
Recovery requires more than a weekend off.
Effective burnout recovery may involve:
- Structured time off
- Nervous system regulation strategies
- Workplace adjustments
- Clear boundaries
- Psychological support
- Medical review (to assess sleep, hormones, iron levels, thyroid function)
- Gradual reintroduction to stressors
Burnout recovery is not about “building resilience” to tolerate unhealthy systems. It’s about restoring balance and addressing root causes.
How Global Health Supports Burnout Recovery
At Global Health, we take a comprehensive approach to burnout.
Our team offers:
- Epigenetic analysis
- Mental health support and coaching
- Stress physiology education
- Return-to-work planning
- Workplace wellbeing strategies
- Ongoing monitoring and care
We understand that burnout affects individuals differently. Our approach is tailored, practical, and grounded in evidence.
Burnout is not weakness. It is a signal — and when addressed early, it can become a turning point toward healthier work patterns and sustainable wellbeing.
If you suspect burnout may be affecting you, early support makes all the difference.