STRIKING the balance in life can be a very difficult act. It is not something we are taught at school. Rather we are encouraged to pursue the highest level of achievement, in whatever field we choose.

However, for some that comes at a price. This not only affects to their health and wellbeing, relationships with partner and children, but also the very thing they hold as most important, their career.

Burnout is not a definable mental health condition in the same manner as anxiety or depression. Yet it is obvious that mental health issues will play a part in the development of burnout, and also be a result of burnout.

A lot has been made of burnout in the field of healthcare. Terms such as “compassion fatigue” are used to describe when a situation that would normally provoke empathy does not.

Obviously, burnout is common to all jobs, whether these are perceived to be high stress or not.

It has become more common with the pandemic due to many working from home and the boundaries between work and non-work time becoming blurred. The lack of office workmates has only fuelled the sense of isolation which is a key factor in the development of burnout.

There are three classical hallmarks of burnout, though naturally many more subtle symptoms may come into play as well.

The first is reduced levels of energy which may progress to exhaustion. Secondly, feelings of cynicism or negativity toward the job may pervade. Thirdly, or perhaps the consequence of the first two is that you become less efficient at your job. With time this becomes to the level where you cannot function in the role at all. Tasks that previously were simple become mammoth.

You may recognise this in yourself, or it may be a colleague who expresses their concern.

Some will naturally be more prone to burnout than others. While this list is not exhaustive, many of the risk factors will make sense.

A chaotic work environment, with unrealistic targets is one of the biggest causes. Being undermined or bullied in the workplace is another issue. Lack of recognition for your effort is another way workers can slide into burnout.

Those who are socially isolated, due to relationship breakdown are at greater risk. Burnout is more likely in those with low self-esteem and self-doubt.

As well as lack of ability to do your job, many other physical and emotional signs accompany burnout.

You may report chest pain, palpitations, headaches, nausea, and diarrhoea or constipation.

You may find yourself unable to sleep at all, or sleeping more than usual.

The important parts of your routine that previously kept you well may be abandoned. Those suffering burnout stop looking after themselves, eating a good diet, or exercising.

Hobbies that kept them connected to others and a life outside of work frequently get forgotten.

At the point of burnout, workers are simply unable to function any more.

A burnout can last for anything between three weeks to several years. While some never return to work, the majority are able to, if appropriate support is put in place.

The most important thing to recognise is that burnout is not a failure. It does not make you a lesser person. You have not failed. Rather it is the culmination of several factors, typically a combination of what is going on in your personal life as well as the working environment.

There are many things that we can do to try to reduce the risk of burnout. The first is ensuring a regular routine. A good diet and sleep are vitally important.

Staying connected with friends and family is important. No man or woman is an island, and we are by nature creatures who thrive on human interaction.

For those who do not have friends or family, it is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Joining a club or society will get you out of your four walls, and away from negative thoughts.

Remember also that many in these clubs will be in a similar situation. Although it sounds trite, a problem shared is a problem halved and sometimes just chatting to others in a similar situation may be very therapeutic.

Lastly, if you feel it is all becoming too much, please do not suffer in silence. Your GP will want to discuss how you are feeling with you, and will be able to provide you with support and signpost you to others who can also help.

Burnout is not a definable mental health condition in the same manner as anxiety or depression.

Those who are socially isolated, due to relationship breakdown are at greater risk. Burnout is more likely in those with low self-esteem and self-doubt.

There are many things that we can do to try to reduce the risk of burnout. The first is ensuring a regular routine. A good diet and sleep are vitally important.

Staying connected with friends and family is important. No man or woman is an island, and we are by nature creatures who thrive on human interaction.