Burnout signs include fatigue and irritability

Persistent fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating could be early signs of burnout, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, who identifies three warning signs that should not be ignored to respond before exhaustion takes over completely.

Symptoms may not be definitive indicators

Symptoms such as finishing days exhausted, rereading the same email multiple times, and dreading the next morning may indicate burnout, but these signs should not be taken as definitive on their own. According to Dr. Kierzek, the warning sign is not a bad day but a change that lasts, repeats, and begins to prevent normal functioning.

Burnout requires proper diagnosis

The High Authority for Health emphasizes that professional burnout syndrome requires a proper diagnostic approach, as the symptoms are non-specific and could also correspond to an anxiety disorder, depression, an organic disease, a medication side effect, or another stress situation. It is important not to trivialize the condition or self-diagnose too quickly.

Professional exhaustion is more than just tiredness

One of the first changes to note is fatigue that goes beyond rest. Professional exhaustion is not simply being tired. What should be alarming is the feeling of no longer having the necessary resources to do one's job, even after rest, sometimes with disturbed sleep, muscle tension, pain, or a feeling of permanent wear and tear.

Tracking symptoms helps with diagnosis

The Health Insurance Fund advises consulting a primary care physician when fatigue persists for several days or weeks, hinders daily activities, is accompanied by psychological suffering, or other symptoms. A useful reference is to note what has changed: when the fatigue has been present, at what time of day it dominates, if sleep has changed, if physical symptoms have appeared, and what aggravates or alleviates it. This preparation helps in seeking appropriate medical advice.