Written by Dr Zamiel Hussain, Lead GP and Founder at AccessGP
Burnout is becoming increasingly common in the UK. Recent data suggests that around one in five people have needed to take time off work due to burnout, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon. This means it is not classified as a medical disease, but as a syndrome defined by a cluster of symptoms linked to chronic workplace stress.
The WHO describes burnout as having three core features:
- Energy depletion, feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted
- Increased mental distance from work, such as detachment or negative thoughts about your job
- Reduced professional efficacy, feeling less capable or effective at work
Put simply, burnout develops when work-related stress becomes overwhelming and starts to affect your health, motivation and ability to function both at work and outside it.
Why burnout matters
Burnout does not stay neatly contained within working hours. It often spills over into other areas of life, affecting:
- Sleep
- Relationships
- Diet and exercise
- Mood and self-esteem
- Enjoyment of hobbies and social activities
Left unaddressed, burnout can increase the risk of anxiety, depression and longer-term health problems.
How do I know if I am burning out?
People experience burnout differently, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent exhaustion
- Getting frequent infections, such as colds or coughs
- Poor or disrupted sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or tearful
- Reduced concentration and focus
- Increased procrastination
- Missing deadlines or making uncharacteristic mistakes
- Loss of motivation or enjoyment at work
- Feelings of failure or low self-worth
If several of these symptoms are present and ongoing, burnout may be developing.
What causes workplace burnout?
Burnout is most commonly caused by prolonged high levels of stress, particularly when recovery time is limited. Personal stressors can also contribute, such as caring responsibilities or financial pressure.
According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report (January 2025), the most common contributors include:
- Chronically high workloads
- Job insecurity
- Regularly working during personal time
- Feeling isolated at work
- Taking on extra hours due to cost-of-living pressures
How can I deal with burnout?
When you start to recognise signs of burnout, one of the most important steps is to slow down rather than push through. Continuing at the same pace despite exhaustion is often more harmful than stepping away from the sources of stress for a period of time.
From a GP perspective, this may mean considering:
- Taking time off work
- Reducing hours where possible
- Temporarily stepping back from high-pressure responsibilities
The purpose is not avoidance, but to give your body and mind the time needed to de-stress, recover and regain perspective.
Recovery from burnout takes time, and this varies from person to person. Many people return to work earlier than they are ready and find themselves needing further time off soon after. Allowing yourself adequate time to rest and recuperate reduces the risk of relapse and supports longer-term recovery.
Taking a proper break also creates space to refocus on other important areas of life that are often neglected during burnout, such as:
- Sleep and rest
- Nutrition
- Relationships
- Hobbies, creativity and enjoyment
For many people, this shift in focus is deeply restorative.
Time away from work can also be an opportunity to reflect on what you value and whether your current work situation aligns with those values. If there is a significant mismatch, it may be worth exploring adjustments at work, changes in role, or in some cases, considering a different job or career path that better supports your wellbeing.
There are also practical self-help resources available that explore coping strategies and recovery in more detail, which some people find helpful alongside GP support.
There is a very useful article by Help Guide that provides tips in more detail on how to deal with burnout.
Setting realistic recovery goals
One of the most important aspects of burnout recovery is setting realistic expectations. January is not the time to fix everything at once. Small, achievable goals, such as improving sleep consistency or addressing one clear health issue, are far more effective than ambitious plans that are hard to sustain.
“From a GP perspective, the most effective health resets are not about doing more, they are about doing the right things consistently. Small, realistic changes guided by clinical insight almost always outperform ambitious plans that are hard to sustain.”
Dr Zamiel Hussain, GP and Founder of AccessGP
When should I contact my GP?
You should seek medical advice if symptoms persist despite taking time off, or if you experience:
- Low mood lasting more than two weeks
- Ongoing poor sleep or appetite
- Persistent anxiety or panic attacks
- Exhaustion that does not improve after rest
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Constant negative or hopeless thoughts
If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek urgent help immediately by calling 111 or 999.
These symptoms may suggest depression or an anxiety disorder rather than burnout alone.
How can this be treated?
If needed, your GP may recommend:
- Psychological therapy
- Medication such as antidepressants or anxiety-reducing treatments
- Additional time off work or workplace adjustments
Treatment is always tailored to the individual, and many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
How AccessGP can help
At AccessGP, you can speak to a GP quickly and securely from home. We provide careful assessment, advice, and treatment where appropriate, with clear follow-up and safety netting.
If you are struggling with burnout, anxiety or low mood, you can book an appointment at a time that suits you.
Key sources: The Burnout Report January 2025; WHO, Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases