Are you feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and negative about work or life? You might be experiencing burnout.
Burnout is defined as "a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress" (CAMH). Burnout can leave people feeling physically and emotionally drained, like everything is a huge effort, and can result in lower productivity or impaired ability to function.
While burnout was first identified in relation to work and career, it can occur across a variety of settings, and across any vocation. In recent years, concerns about post-secondary student burnout has been increasing.
Approximately 78% of Canadian employees reported feeling burnt-out at some point in their careers, and 35% say they are currently experiencing burnout (Benefits Canada, 2023) Similarly, the 2022 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, found that over 40% of students reported being tired out for no good reason most or all of the time, over 30% reported feeling nervous most or all of the time, and over 30% felt that everything was an effort most or all of the time.
Burnout can occur as a result of chronic stress with little time for recovery and rest. When left unaddressed, burnout can result in larger, and even long-term concerns. In this evidence-based session, we will explore the causes and signs of burn-out, as well as some practical strategies for addressing and preventing burnout.
Student Session
Open to all Grad and Undergraduate students
Date: TBA
Time:
Location:
Other: Snacks will be provided. Please feel free to bring your refillable water bottle, coffee, tea. etc.
Employee Session
Open to all employees, post-docs, and Grad students with current TA positions.
Date: TBA
Time:
Location:
Other: Snacks will be provided. Please feel free to bring your refillable water bottle, coffee, tea. etc.
Facilitator - Renate Donnovan
Renate Donnovan works and studies at the University of Waterloo. Renate is the Community Wellness Officer for the Faculty of Engineering, as well as a PhD Candidate and past lecturer in the School of Public Health Sciences. Her research interest is focused on how moral distress and injury impacts undergraduate student mental health. Renate supports the Engineering community through a range of resources, initiatives, recommendations, and program development, including the creation and delivery of wellness content as part Engineering courses and an assortment of workshops for both students and employees. Renate is passionate about mental health and well-being. She has dedicated most of her life to studying and teaching about mental health and well-being. Renate has been often heard warning others, “If you ask me about well-being I WILL tell you about it—for hours!”