15/02/2026
Posts on Burnout are starting to dominate my feed. What is it and how can First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace help?
🔥 What is Burnout? A Science-Backed Snapshot
(Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology.
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981).The Measurement of Experienced Burnout.)
Burnout isn’t simply being tired after a busy week. It’s a recognised workplace syndrome linked to chronic, unmanaged stress. Understanding the signs helps us support ourselves and others with compassion and awareness.
⭐ Emotional exhaustion – feeling constantly drained, depleted, or unable to recharge.
⭐ Cynicism or detachment – growing negativity, reduced empathy, or feeling disconnected from work or people.
⭐ Reduced sense of effectiveness – doubting your impact, motivation, or accomplishments even when you’re capable.
Research shows burnout develops over time when pressure outweighs recovery, support, and control. It’s not about weakness, it’s about wellbeing.
⛑️ First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace promotes open conversation, destigmatisation of mental health issues, spotting signs of stress and other mental health conditions early and signposting to relevant support. Workplaces can promote and practically apply effective wellbeing policies, create positive working environments and reduce staff absences and retention issues.
💬 Let’s normalise conversations about sustainable work, healthy boundaries, and environments where people can thrive, not just cope.
