Signs of Workplace Burnout & How Therapy Helps

Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can build over time—especially when work demands stay high and recovery time stays low. As the year winds down, many people in Ontario notice burnout symptoms more clearly: motivation drops, patience runs thin, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

At Bien-être Counselling, we support adults, parents, and professionals who are feeling stretched too thin. If you’ve been wondering whether what you’re experiencing is stress or something more, this guide can help you recognize the signs of workplace burnout—and understand how therapy can support recovery.

What is workplace burnout?

Workplace burnout is often described as a combination of:

• Exhaustion (feeling depleted, drained, or “running on empty”)
• Cynicism or detachment (feeling numb, irritable, or disconnected from work)
• Reduced effectiveness (struggling to focus, feeling less capable, or doubting yourself)

Burnout can happen in any role—healthcare, education, office work, trades, management, caregiving, and especially in jobs with high emotional demands.

Common signs of workplace burnout

Burnout doesn’t look the same for everyone. You might notice a few of these signs, or many at once.

Emotional signs

• Feeling irritable, impatient, or more reactive than usual
• Feeling anxious Sunday night or before workdays
• Feeling emotionally “flat,” numb, or disconnected
• Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like you can’t keep up
• Losing confidence, even if you’re usually capable

Mental signs

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Forgetfulness, brain fog, or slower thinking
• Constant worry about work, even off-hours
• Feeling like you’re always behind, no matter how much you do

Physical signs

• Persistent fatigue that rest doesn’t fix
• Headaches, stomach discomfort, muscle tension
• Changes in sleep (trouble falling asleep, waking up early, restless sleep)
• Increased illness or slower recovery

Behavioural signs

• Procrastination, avoidance, or “shutting down”
• Working longer hours but getting less done
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
• Increased reliance on caffeine, alcohol, or scrolling to cope

If these patterns are showing up, you’re not failing—you may be depleted.

Burnout vs. stress: what’s the difference?

Stress often feels like too much: too many tasks, too many demands, too much pressure.

Burnout often feels like not enough: not enough energy, not enough motivation, not enough capacity.

With stress, you may still believe that once you “get through this,” you’ll feel better. With burnout, it can feel like there’s no finish line.

Why burnout happens (and why it’s not just about time management)

Burnout is rarely caused by one thing. It often comes from a combination of:

• High workload and low recovery time
• Lack of control or unclear expectations
• Emotional labour (supporting, managing, caring, or de-escalating)
• Perfectionism or people-pleasing
• Workplace conflict or values mismatch
• Life stress outside of work (parenting demands, mental load, caregiving)

This is why “just take a vacation” often isn’t enough. Real recovery usually involves both rest and change.

How therapy helps with workplace burnout

Therapy can support burnout recovery in practical, compassionate ways—without judgment.

1) Understanding what’s really driving the burnout

Together, we look at patterns that may be keeping you stuck: over-responsibility, difficulty saying no, fear of disappointing others, or unrealistic expectations (internal or external).

2) Building boundaries that protect your energy

Many clients know they “need boundaries,” but don’t know how to set them without guilt. Therapy helps you clarify limits and practice language that feels respectful and firm.

Examples:

• “I can take this on next week, but not today.”
• “I’m at capacity—what should be deprioritized?”
• “I’m not available after 5 p.m., but I can respond tomorrow.”

3) Managing anxiety, overwhelm, and nervous system stress

Burnout often affects the nervous system. Therapy can help you develop coping tools that actually fit your life—grounding strategies, emotion regulation skills, and routines that support recovery.

4) Rebuilding self-esteem and confidence

Burnout can make even high-performing people feel like they’re failing. Therapy helps you reconnect with your strengths, challenge harsh self-talk, and rebuild a sense of capability.

5) Creating a sustainable plan (not a quick fix)

Recovery is not just about getting through the week—it’s about building a life that doesn’t require constant survival mode. Therapy can support values-based decision-making, healthier work patterns, and long-term resilience.

When to seek support

Consider reaching out if:

• You feel exhausted most days, even after rest
• Work stress is affecting your sleep, mood, or relationships
• You’re feeling detached, numb, or constantly on edge
• You’re relying on coping habits that don’t feel good long-term
• You’re thinking, “I can’t do this anymore,” even if you’re still functioning

You don’t have to wait until you hit a breaking point.

Support for burnout in Ontario

If you’re experiencing workplace burnout, you deserve support that feels human, practical, and tailored to you. Bien-être Counselling offers counselling services in English and French, with in-person, virtual, and phone options for clients in Rockland, the Ottawa area, and across Ontario.

If you’re not sure where to start, we invite you to book a free 15-minute telephone consultation to explore what support could look like.

Ready to talk?Visit https://bienetrecounselling.ca or reach out through our contact form to book.