Burnout on the rise

THE South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that as many as one in three employees is affected by burnout — a condition linked to ongoing and unmanaged stress.

- NICOLE JENNINGS

Burnout is more than just feeling overworked; it’s a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress. It can stem from workplace pressure or personal stress such as a major illness or family problems. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to a host of health issues including disrupted sleep patterns, cognitive impairments and a higher risk of depression.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight — it's the result of stress that builds up over time; often ignored until it becomes unmanageable. It’s frequently disguised as productivity; with people pushing harder, skipping breaks and sacrificing sleep in the name of performance, until their health eventually begins to unravel.

Most at risk