Are You on the Edge of Burnout? 7 Signs Professionals Shouldn’t Ignore

Burnout doesn’t usually arrive with a bang.

It creeps in quietly; through long hours, rising pressure, and the gradual fading of joy in work you once loved.

Many professionals write off the symptoms as “just being busy,” but burnout is more than tiredness. It’s a form of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can seriously impact your wellbeing and career if left unaddressed.

Recent UK data shows that 92% of employees have experienced stress or burnout at some point, with nearly half of professionals saying they’re close to burning out.

According to Mental Health UK’s 2025 Burnout Report, over a third of working adults have needed time off due to stress and that number is rising, especially among younger professionals.

If you’ve been pushing through for months (or years), here are seven warning signs that you may be on the edge of burnout.

7 Signs of Burnout:

1. Burnout Makes You Exhausted All the Time

If you have burnout, even after a full night’s sleep or a weekend off, you feel drained. Fatigue becomes your baseline. You wake up already tired, and no amount of caffeine seems to fix it.

2. Lost Motivation or Joy

Tasks you used to enjoy now feel like chores. You might find yourself going through the motions, detached from your purpose or sense of achievement.

3. You’re Forgetful or Struggling to Concentrate

Burnout affects your cognitive function; decision-making, memory, and focus all suffer. You might re-read the same email multiple times before it sinks in.

4. You Feel Emotionally Numb or Overwhelmed

Some people with burnout shut down emotionally; others feel constantly on edge. You may swing between irritability, anxiety, or sadness without knowing why.

5. Physical Symptoms Are Showing Up

Headaches, tension in your shoulders, stomach issues, or frequent colds can all be signs of chronic stress and burnout. The body often tells the story long before the mind catches up.

6. You’ve Become More Self-Critical

Perfectionism and burnout often go hand-in-hand. You might feel like you’re never doing enough, even when you’re exceeding expectations.

7. You’re Withdrawing from Others

When energy is low, it’s tempting to isolate, to skip social events or avoid colleagues. But disconnection can deepen burnout and loneliness.

What to Do Next If You Believe You Have Burnout

If several of these signs feel familiar, you don’t have to face them alone. Burnout is common among professionals, not a personal failing. It’s a signal that something in your work–life balance, boundaries, or emotional world needs attention.

Burnout therapy can help you:

• Understand the root causes of exhaustion

• Learn tools for stress regulation and emotional balance

• Rebuild confidence and motivation

• Restore clarity, energy, and direction

  
  

For some, coaching alongside therapy can provide practical steps to set boundaries, make career decisions, and rediscover purpose. Read my burnout therapy blog for more detailed information.

Taking the first step toward support doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re wise enough to listen to what your mind and body are telling you.

If you’re wondering whether burnout therapy could help, reach out for a confidential consultation and start your recovery journey today.

Book a FREE Discovery Call