Men’s mental wellbeing · The Cheeky Counsellor
7 Signs of Burnout in Men
Learn seven possible signs of prolonged stress and burnout in men, plus realistic first steps.
1. You wake up exhausted
A full night in bed does not always leave you feeling restored when stress has been running for weeks.
2. Small things set you off
Irritability and a shorter fuse can be signs that your capacity is stretched.
3. You stop enjoying your usual downtime
Hobbies, mates and family time can start to feel like more demands.
4. Your concentration slips
Forgetfulness, indecision and trouble focusing can accompany prolonged stress.
5. You withdraw
You may cancel plans or go quiet because you feel you have nothing left to give.
6. You work harder but feel less effective
Longer hours do not necessarily translate into better results.
7. Your body starts complaining
Headaches, sleep changes or tension deserve attention; a GP can help check for medical causes.
What to do next
Identify one pressure you can reduce, protect recovery time and tell someone what is going on. Burnout is not a diagnosis you need to make on your own; persistent symptoms warrant a GP or qualified professional.
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