Burnout: A Fresh Perspective Based on Positive Psychotherapy

What is Burnout?

It seems that more and more people nowadays are experiencing burnout. But what exactly is it? In this article, I will outline what burnout is and where it comes from from a positive psychotherapy perspective.

Burnout is a debilitating mental state often associated with work stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

However, burnout is not limited to professional life. It can occur in any situation where emotional, mental, and physical resources are overused over time.

Symptoms of Burnout

According to WHO, the main symptoms of burnout include:

1. Exhaustion

• Feeling physically and emotionally drained

• Constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping

• Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or other stress-related physical symptoms

2. Mental Distance / Cynicism

• Reduced enthusiasm for work or responsibilities

• Feeling detached, numb, or indifferent

• Irritability or frustration with colleagues, clients, or loved ones

• Negative or cynical outlook (“What’s the point?”)

3. Reduced Professional Efficacy

• Decline in productivity and focus

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feeling incompetent or ineffective, even in tasks once mastered

• Loss of confidence in one’s abilities

Causes of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t appear overnight — it’s the result of chronic, unrelenting stress without enough recovery. According to WHO the main causes are:

Workload and Overcommitment

• Constantly high demands without adequate rest

• Unrealistic deadlines or excessive responsibilities

• Pressure to be “always available” (emails, calls, messages outside work hours)

Lack of Control

• Limited autonomy or decision-making power

• Feeling micromanaged or undervalued

• Inability to influence one’s schedule, priorities, or work environment

Insufficient Reward

• Low financial compensation

• Lack of recognition or appreciation

• Minimal opportunities for growth or advancement

Workplace Relationships

• Conflict with colleagues, supervisors, or clients

• Lack of social support at work

• Toxic or competitive work environments

Mismatch in Values

• Working in an environment that conflicts with personal values

• Feeling that the job has no meaning or purpose

• Ethical conflicts between personal integrity and organizational demands

Work-Life Imbalance

• Long hours leaving little time for family, rest, or hobbies

• Difficulty disconnecting from work

• Overlap of personal and professional stressors

All of these causes can help the development of burnout. In positive psychotherapy, we look holistically at one's life and where it has become unbalanced.

A Positive Psychotherapy Perspective

Positive psychotherapy emphasizes balance among four areas of life:

1. Body/Health – Physical energy, rest, diet, exercise

2. Achievement/Work – Career demands, ambitions, goals

3. Relationships – Family, friendships, community

4. Future/Meaning – Spirituality, values, life purpose, fantasy

   
   

   

Burnout occurs when a disproportionate amount of energy is devoted to one area. This doesn’t have to be work-related; it can appear in any life area. Examples include:

• Someone in a difficult relationship may overwork to escape emotional stress.

• Someone focused on their body or image may overexert themselves to improve it.

• Someone anxious about the future may overwork for financial security.

In positive psychotherapy, we use the balance model to identify not only where burnout manifests, but also its origin. For instance:

• A person with relationship problems might “escape” into work, leading to work-related burnout.

• Another might focus on career achievement to cope with anxiety about the future.

The goal is to understand the underlying conflicts, not just the surface behavior.

Treatment and Therapy for Burnout

Treatment depends on which life area burnout emerges from.

Burnout often leads people to withdraw emotionally, mentally, and physically — this is seen in positive psychotherapy as the body’s natural signal to slow down.

Practical Steps to Overcome Burnout

Overcoming burnout is possible.

• Listen to our body: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and physical activity

• Reconnect with neglected areas: Family, friends, hobbies, and leisure

• Reflect: Identify the underlying conflict causing overexertion

• Therapy: A trained positive psychotherapist can help uncover hidden conflicts and guide recovery

  
  

Therapy focuses on:

• Understanding the origin of stress and conflict

• Rebalancing energy across life areas

• Setting healthy boundaries

• Using personal strengths to restore well-being

  
  

Conclusion

Burnout is a complex condition where the mind and body are exhausted by excessive demands in one area of life. Causes may include work, relationships, personal values, or other psychological factors. Recovery can involve lifestyle adjustments, reflection, and therapy to uncover deeper conflicts.

If you’re experiencing burnout, I offer a free 30-minute consultation to explore whether therapy could help. Contact me to book an appointment.