Burnout and Suicide

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of intense fatigue, physically and psychologically, caused by prolonged stress at work. Burnout sets in gradually, when professional demands go beyond a person’s available resources to fulfill them.  

job-burnout-and-suicide

What factors may contribute to burnout? 

Burnout is often the result of many cumulative and interactive factors. 

  • Factors associated with the workplace environment 
    • High workload 
    • Constant pressure to perform or urgency 
    • Lack of resources, time, or support 
    • Difficult workplace environment or conflicts in the workplace 
    • Lack of recognition or appreciation 
    • Lack of control over tasks or schedule 
  • Individual factors 
    • A tendency for being a perfectionist or putting a lot of pressure on yourself 
    • Difficulty delegating tasks 
    • Difficulty respecting your own boundaries or saying no (agreeing to everything, bringing work home, etc.) 
    • Difficulty resting or disconnecting from work 
    • Personal issues that can affect work-life balance 

What signs are associated with burnout? 

  • Physical 
    • Persistent fatigue 
    • Sleeping problems 
    • Headaches or stomach aches, muscle tension 
    • Changes in appetite or digestive issues 
  • Cognitive  
    • Difficulty concentrating 
    • Making more mistakes than usual 
    • Difficulty taking decisions 
  • Psychological 
    • Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed 
    • Loss of motivation, loss of interest for work 
    • Lowered self-esteem and feeling inefficient 
    • Anxiety, irritability, or depressive symptoms 
    • Suicidal thoughts 

You are experiencing burnout and have suicidal thoughts? 

Burnout can bring on significant suffering. In some people, this distress can lead to suicidal thoughts. If that is your case, it’s important to reach out. 

We encourage you to visit the following sections: 

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you think you are experiencing burnout?

If you are experiencing signs related to burnout, first call Info-Social (811 option 2) in order to discuss your situation with a responder and be guided to local resources that can help support you. 

 
 

To receive an evaluation or a follow-up with a healthcare professional (like a family doctor), see a general practitioner, a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can also help someone experiencing burnout. 

 

Find resources

Some tips to help if you are experiencing burnout

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