Burnout is an invisible epidemic that is sweeping through the globe, at present. Once burnout was thought to be a condition affecting only high-powered executives and first responders, but burnout is now quietly entering the classrooms, kitchens, co-working spaces and even WhatsApp groups with an entire generation struggling to keep up with the demands of a world that never switches off.
Across Commonwealth nations, we can see young people carry a dual burden of global expectations of success and local pressures of economic instability. In countries like Sri Lanka and Ghana, youth face rising unemployment and reduced opportunities. In India, exam anxiety and the relentless coaching culture leave millions of students physically present but mentally drained. Even teenagers have not been able to escape this epidemic. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, mental health referrals for UK teenagers increased by over 50 per cent in the past three years. In addition, UNICEF reports rising stress levels among schoolchildren in South Asia—linked to academic pressure, family expectations and overexposure to social media.
In a world where you are expected to be online, productive, ambitious, socially conscious, physically fit and mentally well—all at once, how can we tackle this issue?
Dr. Peter Chiu, Family Physician, Osler Health International answered some questions to shed light on this
- How would you define burnout from a medical perspective and how is it different from regular stress or fatigue?
Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterised by three main dimensions:
- Exhaustion
- Cynicism (less identification with the job)
- Feelings of reduced professional ability.
More simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to dislike your job, and begin to feel less capable at work, you may be showing signs of burnout. While burnout isn’t a diagnosable psychological disorder, it doesn’t mean it should not be taken seriously as an indicator of mental / physical stress.
- What are the key signs and symptoms people should look for when identifying burnout?
Some of the most common signs of burnout include:
- Alienation from work-related activities: Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and the people they work with. They may also emotionally distance themselves and begin to feel numb about their work.
- Physical symptoms: Stress can lead to physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach aches or may manifest in sleep issues
- Emotional exhaustion: Burnout causes people to feel drained, unable to cope, and tired. They often lack the energy to get their work done.
- Reduced performance: Burnout mainly affects everyday tasks at work—or in the home when someone’s main job involves caring for family members. Individuals with burnout feel negative about tasks. They have difficulty concentrating and often lack creativity.
- How can burnout be diagnosed in a clinical setting, and is there a standard process for it?
I would conclude burnout after a consultation (or consultations) with my patient. At our clinic, we take a holistic view of health and give patients the time and space to talk.
- How does burnout affect a person’s physical and mental health over time?
Burnout can become corrosive in one’s personal and professional life. You may be suffering from burnout if you find yourself:
- Agitated – unable to relax or wind down
- Irritable – find yourself easily irritable
- Triggered – very reactive to trivial triggers
- Lack of focus – you may have difficulties with concentrating
- Lack of motivation – no energy to initiate healthy activities
- Lack of decision making – mentally and physically fatigued and unable to make any decisions
- Sleep disruption – lack of sleep of too much sleep
- Appetite changes – lack of interest in food or binge eating
- State of anxiety – becoming prone to panic attacks and in a constant state of anxiety and even depression
- Adopting unhealthy coping skills and stress reliever habits – alcohol, smoking, not exercising, more screen time, poor choice of foods (high in sugars and fats).
All of the above factors can culminate in poor physical and mental health, leading to a need for external intervention.
- What are the long-term consequences if burnout is not addressed or treated early?
If burnout is not addressed or treated early, it can lead to serious long-term consequences that affect both physical and mental health, as well as personal and professional life. Some of the most common long-term effects:
- i) Chronic Physical Health Problems
Burnout places the body in a prolonged state of stress, which can lead to:
- Cardiovascular issues (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease)
- Weakened immune system, leading to more frequent illnesses
- Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome)
- Sleep disorders (e.g., chronic insomnia)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- ii) Long-Term Mental Health Issues
Untreated burnout can increase the risk of:
- Clinical depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse (as a coping mechanism)
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours in severe cases
iii) Cognitive Impairment
Prolonged stress and burnout may impair brain function over time, leading to:
- Memory problems
- Poor concentration
- Decreased decision-making ability
- Reduced creativity and problem-solving skills
- iv) Career and Professional Impact
Burnout can severely affect work performance and job satisfaction
- v) Damaged Relationships
Burnout often leads to emotional withdrawal and irritability, which can:
- Strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
- Lead to social isolation
- Increase conflict and misunderstandings in personal and work life
- What proactive steps can individuals take to prevent burnout before it occurs?
Burnout is complicated. However, there are simple lifestyle interventions I recommend that will protect your current and future health. Osler Health adopts the principals of Lifestyle Medicine which is an evidence-based approach focusing on preventing, treating and even reversing chronic diseases by making evidence-based lifestyle changes. Lifestyle medicine targets the root causes of illness through healthy behaviours.
The core pillars of Lifestyle Medicine include:
- Nutrition
Focus on nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods
- Physical Activity
Encourages regular exercise tailored to the individual
- Sleep
Promotes restorative sleep (7–9 hours for most adults)
- Stress Management
Uses techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to reduce chronic stress
- Substance Use Reduction
Supports quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and avoiding other harmful substances
- Social Connection
Emphasises the health benefits of strong, supportive relationships
- What would be your main advice to someone who feels like they are on the edge of burnout but is unsure of what to do?
Burnout isn’t just feeling “tired” – it’s a serious condition that can have lasting consequences. Early recognition and intervention (through adopting lifestyle medicine principals, rest, therapy, workplace changes, or lifestyle shifts) are key to preventing these long-term outcomes. As doctors, we have experience in unpacking what is the root cause and we can guide patients through various treatments. The first step is recognising you need to look after yourself and take the first step to recovering. Make an appointment with a trusted healthcare professional and be honest about how you are feeling. We are here to help.
Living in a society where burnout is worn like a badge of honour and saying “I’m exhausted” has become a strangely common introduction, let’s change our lifestyle to eradicate this issue from our lives.
About Osler Health International
Osler Health International is a highly respected healthcare provider known for its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred medical services. Their approach is personalised, with comprehensive care tailored to each patients’ unique needs. The team are known to help connect the dots with complex health information that ties everything together for clearer, actionable steps. Lifestyle medicine is at the heart of their approach, focusing on prevention and long-term wellbeing. Osler Health places a strong emphasis on building long-term relationships with patients, ensuring continuity of care across all stages of life with the aim of delivering healthy longevity. www.osler-health.com.
