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.