Tag: Burnout

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Balancing Act: Managing High-Performer Burnout

Burnout is a state of deep exhaustion that results from overexerting yourself for an extended period of time. It can happen to anyone, but it’s common among high achievers, who place high value on their demanding professions. Burnout dysregulates the nervous system and sleep patterns, and can show up as physical symptoms, long-term health problems, or compromised immunity and mental health. 

We often think of burnout as a result of our own failure to achieve the perfect work-life balance. But more often, it’s the result of a larger cultural expectation that values productivity over human needs. Thankfully, as more people talk openly about their experiences with burnout, workplace culture is changing.  

Recognizing early warning signs can help you address burnout before it becomes acute. Eventually, you’ll learn to make lifestyle changes that prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Understanding High-Performer Burnout

High performers—driven, ambitious people who excel in their fields—are often admired for their relentless dedication. But beneath the surface of achievement can lurk a hidden threat: burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged excessive demands and pressure to succeed. 

This is not simply feeling tired after a long day; it’s a chronic depletion of your internal resources. It’s not uncommon for people with burnout to feel unable to get out of bed in the morning, or exhausted in everything they do. Burnout can sap the very motivation that caused you to work so hard toward your goals in the first place.

Once burnout sets in, its effects are serious and recovery takes time. That’s why it’s so important for high achievers to learn to notice its signs.

Signs and Symptoms of High-Performer Burnout

Here are some common signs of burnout in high performers:

Emotional

  • Cynicism: Once-passionate projects feel meaningless, colleagues seem distant, and the spark of excitement is gone.
  • Irritability: Even minor setbacks trigger disproportionate frustration.
  • Loss of sense of accomplishment: Despite your achievements, successes feel meaningless.

Physical

  • Constant fatigue: You feel exhausted even when you get enough sleep.1 Even simple tasks feel draining.
  • Changes in sleep patterns: Difficulty falling asleep, restless nights, and excessive sleepiness are red flags.
  • Physical ailments: Headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues can all be stress-related manifestations.

Professional

  • Decline in performance: Missed deadlines, errors in judgment, and difficulty concentrating become common.
  • Withdrawal from work: Socializing with colleagues feels like a chore, and work avoidance behaviors increase.
  • Loss of motivation: Ambitious goals seem insurmountable, and the drive to excel fades.

It’s easy to miss warning signs when we’re driven by the constant pursuit of success. This is especially true if we come from a culture that values hard work and struggle. 

Tricia Hersey (also known as the Nap Bishop),2 founder of the Nap Ministry, espouses rest as a way of reclaiming our right to personhood. “We think grinding and not sleeping is going to get us to the end,” she says, “but actually nothing generative can come from it.” 

Self-Assessment Tools to Gauge Your Burnout Risk

There are also clinically recognized self-assessment tools that can help you gauge your risk of burnout: 

  • The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is considered the gold standard for self-assessing burnout and takes around 15 minutes to complete. It measures emotional exhaustion, disengagement, and reduced accomplishment at work. 
  • The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) also assesses exhaustion and disengagement, focusing on your frequency of experiences in 16 categories. 

Both of these can provide insight, but they’re not diagnostic tools. While high scores on each may signal burnout risk, a professional evaluation can offer a more accurate and complete picture of your mental health. 

Causes and Triggers of Burnout in High Performers

High-performer burnout isn’t simply a consequence of hard work; it’s fueled by internal and external factors: 

  • Certain professions are more demanding than others. Nearly half of healthcare workers in the U.S. reported burnout3 in 2022. 
  • Excessive workloads, demanding schedules, and a lack of work-life boundaries breed burnout.
  • Imposter syndrome, the nagging suspicion of being a fraud, erodes confidence and motivation.
  • Perfectionism might be valued in grind culture, but the stress of constant striving dysregulates the nervous system. 

Meditation teacher Tara Brach shares:

This quest for perfection4 is based in the assumption that we must change ourselves to belong…Imperfection is not our personal problem—it is a natural part of existing.

Societal norms that glorify the “grind” mentality and equate self-worth with productivity also play a major role. The continual pressure to maintain an image of success leaves people feeling like they’re running on empty with no end in sight. 

Hersey explains how grind culture breaks down our self-worth:5 “We feel like we’re not anything if we’re not producing, making, going. What a lie.”

Preventive Strategies for High Performers

Preventing burnout it’s about sacrificing ambition. It’s about cultivating a smarter, more sustainable approach to success. 

“There’s no work-life balance equation that works for everyone.6 It needs to be tailored to your needs and to your own aspirations, and that’s highly variable,” says clinical physician and burnout coach Dr. Azad John-Salimi.

High performers can try these small shifts:

  • Use stress-reduction techniques: Identify your stress triggers and develop healthy coping strategies. Your stress-relief practices7 might include walking outside, journaling, morning affirmations, or sharing a meal with a loved one. 
  • Embrace mindfulness and self-care: Carve out time for activities that nourish your mind and body. Regular mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing reduce stress and improve focus. Engage in activities you enjoy, prioritize sleep, and nurture healthy relationships to replenish your emotional reserves.
  • Set boundaries and manage workload: Learn to say “no” to excessive demands, delegate tasks effectively, and schedule breaks throughout the day. Disconnect from work emails and notifications outside of work hours to create clear boundaries and protect your personal time.

Big, overnight changes aren’t always possible—not everyone can reduce their hours or take significant time off work. It’s important to honor this as a reality: burnout is often created by conditions beyond our control. But even when we can’t change our entire situation, we can make small changes that, over time, noticeably impact how we feel. 

“For some of us, we’re not able to make such swift changes, because there are other things at play or other people who depend on us. There is a process, and you can map it out, in terms of making strategic changes that allow you to make bigger changes later,” says John-Salimi.

The key here is evaluating your relationship to work, reclaiming your right to recharge, and finding the right balance for you.

Recovering From High-Performer Burnout

If you’ve crossed the threshold into burnout, the road back can seem daunting. But remember, burnout is not a permanent sentence; it’s a call to course-correct and reclaim your well-being. These key steps can guide your recovery:

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

Carve out time to truly rest. Disconnecting from technology and engaging in nurturing activities like nature walks or creative processes can be deeply restorative. Listen to your body’s cues and prioritize sleep: the ultimate recharge for a stressed mind and body.

Seek Professional Support

Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from a therapist or coach who specializes in burnout. They can equip you with tools for managing stress, setting boundaries, and rebuilding your self-worth outside of work. 

Reassess Goals and Adjust Expectations

Burnout often signals a need to recalibrate your goals and expectations. Revisit your priorities, identify what truly matters, and adjust your goals accordingly. For many, this means embracing a more sustainable pace. True success isn’t measured by constant hustle, but by the fulfillment you find in the journey.

Hersey describes the changes she saw when she started resting more8 after a period of severe burnout in college: 

I started to see so much happening from an intellectual perspective, from a spiritual perspective. It boosted my self-esteem. I felt better, I looked better, I was getting better grades. I began to get ideas that I wouldn’t have gotten from an exhausted state.

Emerging from burnout is a process—and it might take longer than you expect. But the rewards of healing are so worth it. 

Cultivating a Healthy High-Performance Lifestyle

True high performance isn’t fueled by exhaustion, it’s powered by balance. Success is the result of consistency over time—and to achieve that, you need a sustainable approach. 

You may not be able to quit your job and move to a mountaintop, but you can integrate downtime into a busy schedule. Start by carving out time, however brief, to do what brings you joy on a daily basis. These moments allow you to reconnect with yourself and remember who you are at your core, regardless of what’s on your plate that day. 

This doesn’t just make you feel better. Work breaks refresh focus, reduce stress, and rekindle creativity. Even famously high achievers like Bill Gates take time to recharge, and other executives are now applying Gates-inspired “think weeks”9 to their schedules. 

Fostering a Supportive Work Culture

Communicating about burnout at work can help you reduce isolation and advocate for change. Talking to a trusted colleague, mentor, or supervisor about burnout and mental health can pave the way to a more supportive work environment. 

Fortunately, workplaces are starting to shift toward a more employee-centered culture. More leadership teams take burnout prevention seriously. Some companies are shifting to shorter work weeks, adopting more liberal PTO policies, or offering free subscriptions to wellness apps. While none of these is a complete solution, it is a sign that the conversation around workplace culture is moving in a positive direction.

Seeking Professional Assistance

Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to mental health treatment, especially for high performers. Executives are less likely to seek help for burnout10 because of their position. But burnout isn’t a shortcoming; it’s a natural response to chronic stress. 

Professional support can be hugely helpful in addressing burnout. A therapist or coach can help you grow your toolkit for managing stress, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-compassion. Some even specialize in treating high-performance clientele. 

Proactively addressing your burnout by getting professional help is a testament to your commitment to your well-being and your career. By taking charge of your recovery journey, you can reclaim your balance and return to work with renewed resilience.

As Hersey says: “If you’re not resting, you won’t make it. And we need us to make it.”

If you’re looking for an intensive opportunity to focus on your recovery, search for burnout treatment programs and reach out to centers directly today.  

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Empathy with Boundaries

Having empathy for people you love, and even those you don’t know, is important to form and maintain deep relationships. Learning healthy empathy and setting boundaries can help keep positive relationships between you and your loved ones.

Dr. Kristen Neff1, an expert in empathy and self-compassion, dives into this topic through her research. She wrote a book called Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself2 about these ideas and created a program called Mindful Self-Compassion to help people live aligned with their goals, motivations, and happiest selves.

Using her research as a basis, you can learn to set boundaries, practice self-compassion, and care for your loved ones and your well-being.

Why Is It Important to Set Boundaries?

Boundaries are the emotional, physical, and mental limits you can establish to maintain your well-being. You can, and should, set boundaries with everyone from your spouse to the stranger on the street. 

By creating boundaries, you can prioritize what’s most important to you by aligning your thoughts and actions with your values. Identifying and communicating your needs can boost your emotional and mental well-being. And knowing your limits can also reduce stress, which can directly improve your physical health3.

Boundaries are not only important for yourself, but also for others. Boundaries foster respect and clear communication, which ensures that you and the other person are comfortable and feel seen, creating a stronger, healthier relationship. 

Balancing Empathy and Boundaries

Empathy allows you to understand and share another person’s feelings. It plays an important role in connecting with others, viewing experiences with a new perspective, and developing a deep understanding of yourself in the process.

Striking the balance between practicing empathy while maintaining personal boundaries can take some refining. It’s great to show empathy to others; however, some people may take advantage of that. Without boundaries, your empathy may overextend to the point of emotional burnout4. You may say “yes” to things you don’t want to, avoid conflict even when it’s necessary, and absorb others’ negative emotions.

Boundaries can provide a resolution. Expressing your feelings, acting on your values, and listening to your body are all ways to practice self-respect. Supporting others begins with supporting yourself.

Kristin Neff’s Approach to Balancing Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Boundaries

Dr. Neff’s work centers around the concept of self-compassion, which is treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. The 3 elements of self-compassion5 include 

  1. Being kind to yourself rather than judging, even if you make a mistake
  2. Recognizing that it’s part of the human experience to go through difficult times
  3. Practicing mindfulness in how your thoughts, feelings, and actions may positively or negatively impact your well-being

Utilizing this concept, Dr. Neff believes that prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health is essential to provide empathy and help to others. In fact, Kristen Neff’s research proved that when practicing self-compassion, you can be in a better position to help someone else6. When you are in a stable, happy state, you may be better at supporting loved ones. 

Setting boundaries can prioritize and protect your well-being. You can learn ways to recognize what your boundaries are, how to communicate them, and how to practice them, so you can be the best you can be for the other person and yourself.  

Strategies for Implementing Empathy with Boundaries

You can practice these techniques to honor your well-being and boundaries:

  1. Identify how much time, energy, and emotional support you can offer without compromising your mental health. This will set the basis for your boundaries. 
  2. Clearly communicate your boundaries to your loved ones. Describe ways that you will be able to show up for them. You may say,
    1. “I want to support you, but this is a difficult topic for me to talk about right now. Can we revisit it when I’m in a better headspace?”
    2. “I have a lot on my plate right now and need to focus on work. I won’t be available for social plans until the weekend. I hope you understand.”
  3. Practicing mindfulness7 can help you navigate others’ emotional responses. You’ll learn to be present with others’ emotions, while still honoring your own to avoid being overwhelmed.
  4. Keep some emotional distance. You can recognize and understand others’ feelings without absorbing them by realizing their emotions are their responsibility.
  5. Practice saying no when necessary. Establish clear limits on what you can take on, and recognize when additional commitments might hurt your well-being.

How Empathy with Healthy Boundaries can Change Your Life

Implementing boundaries can transform your relationships with loved ones and yourself. In addition to emotional health, you may foster greater resilience by staying true to your boundaries. Communicating your boundaries can hone your communication skills and help you be more open with others. And you may develop healthier, more authentic relationships. 

Find Additional Resources

You can browse Kristen Neff’s self-compassion exercises8 to see how self-kindness is the first step towards setting your boundaries. 

If you’re looking to learn more about how you can support yourself, or how you can care for others in need, visit our resource library.

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Substance Abuse in Nursing: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Help

All too often, the pressures of nursing can lead to addiction. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. But that responsibility can be overwhelming. Rehabs that treat professionals recognize the unique challenges that people in demanding jobs, like nurses, face during recovery. 

Understanding Substance Abuse in Nursing

Between 2-10% of nurses experience addiction.1 Another 14-20%  experience unhealthy drug or alcohol behaviors without developing dependency. But many researchers believe that the actual number is higher, due to underreported addiction cases.2 And experts say this issue is  getting worse, partly due to COVID-19 and the ongoing nursing shortage

Whys Some Nurses Develop Substance Use Disorders

Nursing is a very difficult profession.3 Nurses work long hours, performing physically and emotionally exhausting tasks. And despite their efforts, they get less recognition than doctors. 

Certain factors increase the risk of addiction among nurses:

Stress and Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals

As physician Lewis Thomas said, a hospital “is held together, glued together, enabled to function as an organism, by the nurses.”3 Despite how essential their work is, many nurses experience unsustainable working conditions:4 

  • Long shifts, including 12-hour, overnight, or on-call shifts
  • Short-staffed work environments
  • Physically and emotionally taxing duties, like lifting patients and making emergency clinical decisions
  • Lack of control over their schedule
  • Unsafe workplaces with a high risk of contamination and violence
  • Financial insecurity 
  • Lack of support from administrators 
  • Constant exposure to pain, trauma, sickness, and death

Consistently living with this level of stress takes a toll on your body and mind. For some nurses, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress5 is the path of least resistance. For example, if you’re working overnight shifts, you may not be able to have dinner with a supportive friend. But you might have easy access to prescription drugs. 

Some nurses also use drugs in order to get their jobs done. If you work in a short-staffed clinic, you might use stimulants to boost your energy6 so you can meet your patients’ needs.

People with different nursing specialties face different risks of substance abuse.7 For example, surgical, hospice, home health, and long-term care nurses are more vulnerable to addiction. These jobs are hugely demanding, and the people who do them experience high stress.

Mental Health and Emotional Strain

This stress can quickly lead to burnout. In fact, 50% of nurses experience burnout8 symptoms:

  • Emotional exhaustion
  • Lack of motivation and productivity
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Increased desire to quit their jobs

Burnout can lead to compassion fatigue.9 This condition is common for healthcare professionals. Ongoing exposure to patients’ suffering can cause serious physical, social, and emotional symptoms:

  • Constantly feeling on edge, or feeling numb to everything
  • Exhaustion and difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty making decisions, caring for patients, and feeling empathy for others
  • Feeling disconnected from colleagues, family and friends
  • Isolating yourself 

Compassion fatigue, stress, and burnout all increase your risk of addiction.10 This is exactly what happened to Shannan Fiorenza, a nurse in addiction recovery.11 After a kidney stone operation, she received prescription painkillers. She explains:  

“When I got those pain pills and they hit my bloodstream, it really helped me feel numb. And I think that’s what I was looking for, a way to escape at that time. I quickly destroyed my life.” 

Like Shannan, many nurses self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to manage mental health symptoms. 

How Common Is Substance Abuse in Nursing?

Nurses are at a higher risk of developing certain mental health conditions:12

It’s very common for anyone with these diagnoses—including nurses—to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. And in the short term, substances can help manage or numb your symptoms. But over time, that behavior often leads to addiction. 

Increased Access to Medications 

Nurses also have access to medications that most non-healthcare workers don’t. Studies show this increased access may make nurses more vulnerable to substance abuse.13 What’s more, nurses are at a higher risk of addiction to prescription medications than the general public. 

It’s common for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat themselves.14 But without a supervising prescriber, you’re responsible for monitoring your own drug use. This makes it all too easy for nurses to take drugs in secret, leading to a higher likelihood of substance abuse amongst nurses.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Nursing Professionals

Many nurses know how to hide their drug and alcohol use.15 And without specialized training, many healthcare professionals miss the signs of substance abuse in their colleagues. It’s important to learn how to recognize these symptoms to keep both patients and nurses safe.

Many nurses show behavioral changes as their addiction develops:16

  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawal from colleagues, friends, and family
  • Increased absences and tardiness
  • Defensiveness or dishonesty
  • Aggression
  • Changes in appearance
  • Frequent use of gum or mints
  • Heavy intoxication at work events like holiday parties
  • Expressing paranoia, feelings of pain, or depression

You might also notice physical symptoms:17

  • Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady gait
  • Rapid weight changes
  • Lack or excess of energy
  • Runny nose
  • Tremors

In more severe cases, nurses with addiction show signs of impaired practice:18

  • Frequent errors in administering, ordering, recording, or disposing of medications 
  • Patients complaining about reduced pain relief
  • Consistently offering to administer medication for other nurses
  • Showing up at work on days off
  • Frequently leaving to use the bathroom, or go to the parking lot

If you notice signs of addiction in a colleague, it’s important to report it. Often, nurses will only receive treatment after a colleague does this. In many U.S. states, for example, state boards require healthcare professionals to report any signs of substance abuse19 from a coworker. 

What Happens When a Nurse Develops a Substance Use Disorder?

Nurses with substance use disorders face unique consequences and barriers to treatment. 

Patient Care From Nurses Experiencing Addiction

In healthcare settings, nurses provide most of the direct care to patients.20 Because a patient’s condition can change at any time, nurses have to be ready to make clinical decisions at a moment’s notice. When you’re drinking or using drugs, your judgment is limited. You can’t react as quickly, think as clearly, or notice as many details. In many situations, that can put a patient’s health at risk.

Addiction Stigma in the Healthcare Industry

Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals harbor negative beliefs about people experiencing addiction.21 So nurses that develop addiction may fear how their colleagues will judge them. They also may feel shame about using substances despite being a healthcare professional. 

Because of this stigma, nurses don’t always report their suspicion of a colleague’s addiction.22 They may fear social backlash at work, or fear what will happen if their colleague gets fired. Some hospital administrators even ignore reports of impaired care. In the short term, this can seem like a way to avoid malpractice lawsuits or staff shortages. But it can also be a barrier to treatment for nurses with addiction.

Barriers to Treatment for Nurses With Addictions

For many nurses, stigma delays treatment for substance abuse.23 Healthcare professionals are unlikely to get help until their substance use is severe enough to have serious consequences.

Nurses also face other barriers to drug and alcohol treatment:

  • The belief that they can stop on their own because of their medical training
  • Fear of legal and professional consequences like losing their license
  • Financial concerns about how to pay for rehab, especially if they lose their job

Resources for Nurses Seeking Help With Substance Abuse

Government and national nursing organizations recognize that substance abuse harms both nurses and patients. So some U.S. states now offer certain resources to nurses seeking addiction treatment.24 Many of these programs protect you from professional discipline if you follow certain rules. 

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) Programs 

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) programs are a common treatment option25 for nurses with substance use disorders. They are state board-run, confidential, and not mandatory. In most U.S. states, a nurse’s employer will refer them to an ATD program as soon as they learn of the nurse’s addiction. If you stay in that program you might be protected from prison time, losing your license, or getting fired.

The idea behind these programs is that most nurses will choose to get help if they can do so safely. Studies show that ATD programs effectively help nurses avoid relapse,26 return to work, and improve patient care.  

When you’re in an ATD program, you’ll usually sign a return-to-work agreement27 to uphold certain standards for a set period of time:

  • Complete a recognized treatment program 
  • Work less intensive hours, such as avoiding overnight shifts
  • Avoid situations where you’d work alone, like home healthcare
  • Refrain from handling or administering narcotics 
  • Submit to random drug tests or alcohol screenings
  • Attend regular support groups meetings or 1:1 therapy sessions
  • Check in with administrators on a regular basis
  • Disclose addiction and treatment plan to future employers

Some nursing specialities require stricter standards.28 For example, anesthesia nurses must have 1 year of sobriety before they can return to work.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Some employers have in-house programs for employees with substance misuse.29 These employee assistance programs (EAPs) vary widely across institutions. However, most EAPs are employer-paid and confidential. 

Some EAPs only offer health promotion and awareness activities. Others can refer you to a treatment center or provide treatment themselves. Once you’ve completed treatment through an EAP, they’ll likely monitor your progress with check-ins and random drugs tests. 

To find out if your employer offers an EAP, you can get in touch with a human resource manager. You can also look through the employee handbook or orientation materials if you’re not ready to talk to a colleague. 

Peer Support Groups for Nurses

Sobriety support groups30 can supplement more formal substance abuse treatment. And nurses can attend support groups just for other nurses and healthcare workers in recovery:

Some hospitals also offer 12-Step meetings for employees. There, you can connect with other people who understand the unique challenges of nursing while you’re in recovery. And you’ll be able to find mentors who have successfully returned to work while staying sober.

Residential and Outpatient Rehab Programs for Nurses

Some rehabs have treatment programs specifically for nurses and other healthcare professionals. You might access them through an ATD program or an EAP, or you can attend on your own. Depending on your employer’s requirements, you can choose between outpatient or residential treatment. 

Some outpatient programs may allow you to work during treatment. But if your substance use is more severe, you might need to start recovery in residential rehab.

Learn more about getting time off for addiction treatment here.

You’ll have access to a variety of treatment options, depending on your rehab program:

These therapies can help you work through triggers and address the root cause of your substance misuse. If and when you return to work, you’ll be able to keep everyone safe—both yourself and your patients.
To get the specialized care you need, explore rehab for professionals to learn more about pricing, insurance coverage, and therapy options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse in Nursing

What are the risk factors for substance abuse among nurses?

Stress and burnout from long shifts, short-staffed work environments, physically and emotionally taxing duties, and constant exposure to pain and trauma can increase the risk of substance abuse among nurses.

What treatment options are available for nurses struggling with substance abuse?

Alternative-to-discipline (ATD) programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), peer support groups, and residential and outpatient rehab programs are options for nurses seeking help. Treatments might include individual, group, and family therapy, evidence-based approaches, and complementary therapies.

How can I support a loved one who is a nurse struggling with substance abuse?

It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and compassion. Consider having a private conversation with them about your observations and offer to help them find resources for treatment. Remember that recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support and care. Encourage them to seek help from a specialized rehab center that caters to professionals.
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Burnout is a Serious Mental Health Condition That May Require Rehab: Here’s Why

Burnout is more than exhaustion. This term gets tossed around a lot—so much that you might not realize it’s a serious mental health issue. People with burnout may feel exhausted and negative, for a longer time than usual.

Stress serves a purpose. In the short term, it keeps us safe from danger. It can also be motivating. But long-term stress leads to burnout, and burnout can damage your health. It can even cause physical side effects. Fortunately, burnout doesn’t have to be permanent. When you reach your limit—or even before then—you can ask for help. And you can even attend residential rehab for burnout.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a mental health issue caused by ongoing stress. People with burnout feel chronically tired, apathetic, and detached. Over time, those feelings can get in the way of living a healthy life.

Rates of burnout and stress are on the rise. The WHO now classifies burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.”1 In other words, burnout is a very serious concern, but not a disease. The results of a recent survey paint a clear picture:

  • 52% of respondents said they feel burned out.
  • 27% of all workers feel “unable to unplug from work.”
  • 31% are working “much more” than they were 2 years ago.

Signs and Symptoms

Burnout is so widespread, it’s becoming socially acceptable. Because of this, it can be hard to know when you have a serious problem. Experts define these key components of burnout:2

  • Chronic exhaustion can make it hard for you to complete daily tasks. If you have limited energy, you may focus on work over other things you enjoy. And doing that can increase your stress levels.
  • Apathy can be debilitating. If you feel like life is meaningless, it’s hard to take pride in what you do. And on a neurological level, apathy can lead to addiction.3
  • Feelings of incompetency or inadequacy get in the way of recovery. When you lose faith in yourself, it’s hard to approach a new challenge. But there is joy in this healing process. With the right treatment, you can learn to love your life again.

Scientists measure these feelings with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).4 This scale was first developed by psychologist Christina Maslach in 1981. And while the MBI focuses on work-related burnout,5 that’s not the whole picture. “Sometimes the problem of work overload turns out not to be the most important,” Maslach said in an interview with the New York Times. Familial or financial issues can be equally stressful.

Causes of Burnout

Burnout is associated with stress.6 The term usually refers to job-related stress, but not always. More than most other mental health conditions, burnout is a behavioral issue. That doesn’t mean it’s your fault. But it does mean that you can recover by changing your daily habits.

In modern-day “hustle culture,” the pressure to work harder can be overwhelming. And even if you love what you do, working too much can drain the joy right out of your life. But there’s a bright side—burnout doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right treatment, you can find a healthy balance.

Treatment for Burnout Means More Than Therapy

Burnout is a complex condition7 that can affect all areas of your life. To get to the root of the issue, you may need to combine a few treatment methods. In rehab, you can start to restructure your life in a healthy way. Your providers may teach you some of the following strategies.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

In MBSR, patients use mindfulness techniques to manage stress.8 Mindfulness involves purposeful and nonjudgmental focus on the present moment. In this practice, you might meditate, do yoga, or do focused breathing exercises.

Studies show that mindfulness can treat burnout and improve emotion regulation.9 These practices are a core value in many holistic rehab programs. You can also learn these strategies in several types of therapy. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) both teach these techniques.

Physical Health Habits

There may be a link between burnout and diet.10 One study found that people with better nutrition were less likely to show signs of burnout. This research is still in its very early stages, but you don’t have to wait to improve your eating habits.

Getting good sleep, exercising, and eating well reduces exhaustion. This lowers your stress levels, and fights the effects of burnout.11 Improving your physical health can also build confidence. And that confidence can empower you to make lasting changes.

Social Support During Recovery

If you have a strong community, you’re less likely to burn out. That’s because people with more social support are better at handling stress.12

This is an emotional issue, but it’s also a chemical one. Neurotransmitters play a role in decreasing stress. When you’re around trusted friends and family, your brain releases oxytocin. This hormone has a calming effect. These relationships are crucial for your ongoing mental health.

Healthy socializing can also help you change your behavior. Preliminary research has linked peer accountability with better mental health outcomes.13 One study even linked social support with “gainful employment, housing, and psychiatric stability.”

Changing Work Habits

Restructuring your work habits is one way to lessen burnout symptoms.14 Note that this is a behavioral strategy, more than it is a mental health treatment. Even so, it can make a huge difference.

If you can change your schedule, that’s a great place to start. Research shows that working fewer hours can boost job satisfaction. Of course, not everyone can afford to take time off. But you can still make big changes. And you have the legal right to alter your work habits for the sake of your mental health.15

In the U.S., workers are protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Under their regulations, you have “a legal right to get reasonable accommodations.” For example, you can change your break schedule, get written feedback from your boss, or ask to work from home.

Companies are not required to employ someone who can’t actually do their work. If you can’t lift 50 pounds, you might lose your job at a warehouse. But you can likely ask for time off for recovery. And you don’t have to tell your boss the details. The EEOC recommends saying “that you need a change at work because of a medical condition.”

The Long-Term Effects of Chronic Stress

If you don’t find ways to mitigate stress, burnout will undermine your physical and mental health.16

Physical Health

Burnout often follows a cyclical pattern. It leads to an unhealthy lifestyle, and an unhealthy lifestyle worsens burnout. These are some of the physical effects associated with that spiral:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Muscle tension
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep issues

These symptoms can be very severe. In one 10-year study, burnout predicted industrial workers’ hospital visits. And chronic physical ailments can damage your mental health.17

Mental Health

Burnout can cause long-term mental health issues.18 For example, burnout is commonly associated with depression. According to one study, the two issues can come in cycles. When this happens, a depressive episode predicts burnout, and vice versa. Despite this connection, burnout and depression have very different causes. Specifically, “burnout is job-related and situation-specific,” while depression is “context-free.” The two should be treated as two separate issues, with a complex interplay.

Burnout is also related to higher levels of anxiety.19 Data shows that high anxiety increases emotional exhaustion, which is a primary symptom of burnout. This suggests that burnout and anxiety may have a reciprocal relationship, much like depression and burnout. Anxiety causes burnout, and in turn, burnout causes more anxiety.

The Relationship Between Stress & Addiction

Stress increases your risk of addiction.20 And if you’re already burned out, and looking for ways to cope, drug use might be tempting.

There’s a clear neurological reason for this. Both excessive stress and drug abuse can damage the brain’s reward system.21 This makes it hard to feel a sense of achievement. And drug use can seem like a simple way to change that.

Like burnout, addiction is a vicious cycle. Maybe you’re working harder and harder to try and finish your to-do list. Or maybe you’re taking drugs to try and feel better, and then feeling worse instead. In either case, you can only break free by changing your behavior. For many people, inpatient rehab is the best place to start that process.

Healing From Burnout on Your Own Terms

By definition, burnout is overwhelming. And the idea of recovery might feel like yet another burden. But healing can be joyful. With the right treatment, you can learn how to live a fulfilling and sustainable life.

After chronic stress, rehab can be a welcome respite. Break free of this stressful cycle by connecting with a treatment center. Visit our directory of burnout recovery programs to learn about their amenities, specialties, available types of treatment, and more.

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Rehab for Executives: Frequently Asked Questions

It’s common for CEOs to be portrayed as energetic, in control, and collected. But executives and people in high-level positions face demanding challenges and workplace-related stress that can take a toll on their mental health. With so much going on, you may not notice signs of addiction or addictive behavior until it negatively impacts your career or life at home.

People in high-level positions may have specific queries about going to rehab, like laptop use during treatment or privacy concerns. We’re here to answer those questions and more about attending rehab as an executive.

Understanding Addiction Among Executives

Is Addiction Common Among Executives?

Factors leading to the development of alcohol or substance use disorders are never cut and dry. However, several combining elements may make high achievers more susceptible to addiction.

As people become increasingly open about mental health issues,1 more CEOs who’ve faced addiction2 are sharing their stories. And as it turns out, hundreds of CEOs, high-level professionals, celebrities, athletes, and artists share the same struggle.

Neurological factors, trauma, and stress are some of the reasons why high achievers may turn to substance use.

Neurological factors: Addiction researcher and neuroscience professor David Linden, Ph.D. explains in his book The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good that the same mechanisms (dopamine receptors) encouraging us to achieve our goals can also push us towards substance use.

Trauma and anxiety: Outlined in Ending Addiction for Good authored by addiction researchers Richard Taite and Constance Scharff, Ph.D., high achievers who turn to substance abuse have likely experienced early life trauma that shapes the way they behave. This trauma can fuel their drive to succeed, but they may also turn to substances as a coping mechanism.

Stress: As an executive, you’re probably already aware of the daily stress you face. Entire teams of people rely on you, there’s pressure to maintain a certain public image and to keep performing at high levels. This leads to overwhelm and oftentimes, burnout. It’s common for executives to develop unhealthy habits, like substance or alcohol misuse,3 to cope with their stress.

What Are the Characteristics of Addictive Behavior?

First, it’s important to note that by “characteristics,” we mean characteristic behaviors associated with alcohol or substance abuse, not personality traits. The common notion of the “addictive personality” is a myth.4 The Global Journal of Addiction & Rehabilitation Medicine reports that: “Research finds no universal character traits that are common to all addicted people.”

The same study notes that some practitioners consider specific personality traits as potential warning signs that someone could develop an addiction, but that’s all they are: signals. They don’t guarantee that an individual will become addicted. According to David Linden, PhD, a neuroscience professor at Johns Hopkins’ School of Medicine, some of these predictors of addiction include the drive for success,5 obsession and risk-taking—all common among high-achievers.

While you may or may not exhibit those personality traits, certain telltale behaviors indicate alcohol or substance abuse:

  • Engaging in risky behavior while under the influence
  • Continuing to use substances despite their negative consequences
  • Stashing or hiding your substance use from others
  • Persistent cravings and spending a lot of time thinking about using substances
  • Consuming more substances than before to feel the same effects
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit

Modern research shows that addiction falls on a sliding spectrum,6 challenging previous notions that addiction is “all or nothing.” According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people who exhibit 2 to 3 of the behaviors above are considered to have a “mild” substance use disorder, while those who exhibit up to 6 or more symptoms have a “severe” substance use disorder.

How Do I Know if I Need Rehab?

There’s a stigma around what people facing addiction look like, or what their lives are like. If your life appears to others to be going well, you might not realize that you have a substance use problem. You may even deny it because you don’t “fit that stereotype.” But prolonged substance abuse can have permanent, detrimental effects on the mind and body, which is why it’s better to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

You might want to consider looking into addiction treatment if you notice these common signs of alcohol or substance abuse, as outlined in the DSM-5:

  • A strong urge to use substances
  • Persistent unsuccessful attempts at cutting down or controlling your substance use
  • Taking substances in larger quantities or for longer than you intended to
  • Continuing to use substances even if it negatively impacts your work or relationships
  • Spending a lot of time trying to get substances, use, or recover from the effects of substance use
  • Continued substance use, even if it negatively impacts your life

How Long Do I Need to Go to Rehab For?

This depends on your substance use background, including the severity, length, and type of substance used. While the length of different residential rehab programs varies, they’re generally 30, 60, or 90 days long. Some programs may run even longer and last up to 180 days.

You can find out your recommended length of stay when you call a rehab center. Usually, an admissions specialist will take you through a series of questions called an “initial assessment” to determine what length of stay is appropriate for you. While some people need to be in rehab for shorter periods than others, a significant amount of research shows that longer residential rehab stays correlate to better outcomes.7

Can You Go to Rehab for Anxiety?

Yes, you can. Many residential rehabs treat anxiety and other mental health issues, even if they don’t co-occur with a substance use disorder.

If you’re an executive who suffers from anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the Anxiety & Depression Society of America, anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States,8 affecting over 40 million adults each year. However, job-related stress can be more detrimental to the health of CEOs and high-level decision-makers. A study released by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research found that CEOs of large companies are prone to higher mortality rates9 and age visibly faster due to work-related stress. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, several different anxiety treatment options are available, including virtual therapy, outpatient programs, and inpatient care.

Can I Still Run a Business With an Addiction?

In short, not for long and not without negative effects on your physical and mental health, and potentially your relationships.

High achievers are under major pressure to perform. If you feel the need to work more and to carry on a certain image, even in the face of troubling mental health or addiction issues, others share your struggle. A Harvard-reviewed study revealed that up to 60% of people struggling with mental health issues have never spoken up about it at work.10

What’s more, many people who suffer from substance use disorder but are high-functioning might avoid seeking help because they can still perform at work, to a certain degree. You may convince yourself that you’re doing fine because your life isn’t in shambles.

However, experts claim that signs of substance abuse in the workplace are just the tip of the iceberg.

According to an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Chair of the Physician Health Program Committee at Saskatchewan Medical Association Dr. Petter Butt argues that the myth of the high-functioning addict11 should be debunked. “It means we’re purely looking at function through the window of their workplace … [addiction] takes a terrible toll on people’s families and on children in particular,” he states. Over time, one’s work will also begin to suffer.

Butt adds, “It’s possible to treat the ‘functioning addict’ before the facade crumbles.”

What are the Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism?

High-level executives face a lot of pressure to appear collected and together. However, life may look very different behind closed doors. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that people in management have some of the highest rates of alcohol use12 compared to other professions.

You may not realize the implications of your drinking because you’re high-functioning, you don’t fit the stereotype of an “alcoholic,” or haven’t “hit rock bottom” yet. This makes it difficult for many people to spot the signs of high-functioning alcoholism. Sometimes, it takes an event like an accident or a health scare before you realize that your drinking has become a problem.

If you’re concerned about your drinking, here are some telling signs of alcohol use disorder as listed in the DSM-5:

  • The inability to stop drinking
  • Drinking more, or for longer than you intended to
  • Feeling increased irritability, mood dips, or anxiety as a result of drinking
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, sweating, or shaky hands when you discontinue drinking

Rehab for Executives

How to Get Addiction Help as an Executive

Executives, celebrities, politicians and other high-achievers often have so much going on that they’re not aware of signs of substance abuse. This can be especially true if you’re in a profession that normalizes drinking or illicit drug use.13 If you notice worrying signs of abuse, you might hesitate to begin your recovery journey because of work requirements. However, prolonged alcohol or substance abuse can have serious health consequences.14 Stepping away from work to seek treatment may seem difficult in the short-run, but it will certainly be beneficial to your health and can even help with long-term productivity.

There are several addiction treatment options for executives. These centers often have facilities like a business center or a flexible technology policy, and luxurious amenities so you can recover in comfort and greater privacy.

Once you’ve recognized the need for help and want to start looking for treatment centers, you can take steps to find a program that fits you:

  • Receive a clinical assessment by a mental health professional.
  • Consider your recommended treatment options.
  • Find a treatment provider that is ideally reputable, trustworthy, accredited, qualified, and with licensed professionals.
  • Weigh your options and consider factors such as treatment approach, location, amenities, and more.
  • Call the treatment provider and schedule a tour, if you can.

For a more in-depth take on finding the right addiction treatment option for you, see our Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Treatment Provider.

Are There Rehab Programs for Executives?

Several private, inpatient rehabs offer executive programs. These programs often include features that take into consideration the needs of high achievers:

  • Greater discretion
  • The ability to use technology during rehab
    upscale settings
  • Amenities that help promote comfort and healing
  • High-quality clinical care
  • Highly-personalized treatment
  • Tailored services like a private chef or personal trainer

…and more.

Oftentimes, the medical and clinical staff at inpatient executive rehabs have been treating clientele like you for years and understand your unique needs.

Where Do CEOs Go to Rehab?

Because of their unique lifestyle, executives are more likely to consider rehabs based on location, privacy, amenities, and comfort, and whether or not the rehab has an executive program.

Those who want to protect their privacy without giving up on comfort may opt for a luxury destination rehab. Some popular locations for executives include California and Florida in the U.S., and Switzerland.

California: Rehabs in California are known to attract A-list clientele. It consistently ranks among the top U.S. states with the best health care, and this translates to addiction treatment. Many centers have long been established and have earned a reputation. And California is no stranger to luxury: Malibu was one of the first places to popularize the concept of high-end, resort-style rehabs. Because it’s such a sought-after rehab destination, it’s home to some of the top addiction treatment centers in the world.

Florida: Florida rehabs have something for everyone, from executives to people who seek gender-specific addiction treatment. In addition to the various treatment options offered, rehabs in Florida have been catering to high-net-worth clientele for years. If you attend a luxury center in the sunshine state, there’s a good chance you’ll work closely with a clinical team dedicated to creating your individualized care plan.

Switzerland: For executives who want to escape the bustle of large cities or are seeking extra privacy, rehabs in Switzerland offer a special combination of confidentiality and comfort. The country is famous for its attention to quality and service. Here, you can expect to find a high concentration of luxury rehabs that offer uber-individualized care.

Of course, these aren’t the only destinations CEOs look to for rehab. Some prefer to recover surrounded by nature and will look at rehabs in Colorado. Others may want a destination that offers one-of-a-kind experiential therapies, like a safari in South Africa.

What’s a Typical Day in Rehab Like?

You’ll follow a full, recovery-focused schedule in rehab. Most days involve therapy sessions supported by activities and leisure time, and scheduled work time if you attend an executive rehab. A day at rehab might look something like this:

  • Wake up early to a healthy, nourishing breakfast
  • Join a group therapy session
  • Move your body with a fitness class or activity
  • Have lunch with others in your program
  • Post-lunch downtime
  • Complete a 1-on-1 therapy session
  • Scheduled work time
  • Attend an educational or support group session
  • Eat dinner, followed by a wind-down activity like music or art therapy, or individual free time

Activities and outings are often influenced by the rehab’s location. Jerry Vaccaro, President at All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, details some activities common to the area:

“On weekends, we have a ton of activities. Patients can snap on their snowshoes and go walking. You might even see some elk. Or, we may take you on a trip to the ski slopes. In warmer weather, activities might include fly fishing on the beautiful rivers here. We try to balance the intense nature of treatment with activities that help you decompress and think about what you just experienced.”

Can I Still Work While at Rehab?

Rehab is a protected environment that allows you to disconnect from the outside world and turn your focus inward. However, not everyone can take time off work, and that’s understandable. You can still make the most out of treatment while fitting work into your schedule.

Most executive rehab programs have a flexible technology policy so you can stay connected during certain hours and keep your office running. Some also have business centers to work from. Regardless, you’ll want to check directly with a rehab center about their technology policy to make sure it suits your needs.

For some people with a more demanding schedule, bespoke programs and single-client rehabs may fit best. For example, politicians or celebrities may need to make public appearances during their time in treatment. Single-client rehabs are usually hyper-individualized and may be more accommodating to these types of requests.

Which Rehabs Allow Laptops?

Different rehab programs have different tech usage policies. Many luxury rehabs offer an executive program, allowing professionals to stay connected with work during their time in treatment.

You can browse our list of executive rehab programs to learn more about centers with flexible technology policies.

What Amenities Do Luxury Rehabs Offer?

It’s important to feel comfortable in rehab. Contrary to the belief that rehab should be punishing, being in an uncomfortable environment can negatively impact your mood and receptiveness to treatment. Luxury rehabs offer special amenities that executives and high net-worth clientele may be used to, allowing them to relax and feel at home:

  • Swimming pools
  • Saunas
  • Fitness/wellness center
  • Business center
  • Outdoor lounge
  • Tennis court
  • Theater
  • Gourmet dining
  • Personal concierge

Privacy in Rehab

Can I Keep My Rehab Stay Private as a CEO?

Confidentiality concerns can be a major barrier to treatment for CEOs and people in high-profile positions. The good news is you can keep your rehab attendance private.

From single-client rehabs to centers in secluded locations, there are a variety of ways rehabs accommodate your privacy needs:

  • Inpatient (residential) rehab offers distance from your community. You’re removed from your everyday environment, reducing the chances of being recognized.
  • Many inpatient centers are in secluded, discreet locations and aren’t even recognizable as rehabs from the outside. Some don’t list their location information publicly.
  • Ultra-private luxury rehabs take in one client at a time, so your stay is completely confidential.
  • Destination rehabs can offer an extra layer of privacy.
  • Virtual rehab programs let you receive treatment from the comfort of your home.

On top of that, rehabs in the U.S. must adhere to clinical standards of patient confidentiality:

  1. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,15 or HIPAA, is a law that protects your medical records and health information. Under HIPAA, a rehab cannot share your health information without your knowledge or consent.
  2. 42 CFR Part 2 is a section of HIPAA that applies directly to addiction treatment programs. Under this law, a rehab center cannot disclose any information that reveals that you’ve dealt with addiction, even with other medical providers. All recovery programs must adhere to 42 CFR Part 2.

Does Rehab Go on Your Record?

In most cases, rehab attendance doesn’t go on your record. An exception would be if you had broken the law in some way, for example, if you were arrested for possession of narcotics. In these cases, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission prohibits employers from using criminal history information16 to discriminate against you.

In all cases, HIPAA protects your medical information17 and any information that may disclose your rehab attendance.

What Are Rehab Privacy Laws?

When you attend rehab, you’re protected by certain privacy protection laws. Two important laws include HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,18 or HIPAA, is a national law that prevents the disclosure of any of your medically related information without your consent or knowledge. Under HIPAA, you have the right to access and request amendments to your health records.

Healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and business associates must comply with HIPAA.

42 CFR Part 2
42 CFR Part 219 is a section under HIPAA that offers more stringent privacy protection than HIPAA and pertains directly to substance use disorder treatment. Under this law, treatment providers can’t disclose any information that suggests you’ve dealt with addiction. This is to protect you from unfair treatment in legal cases involving employment, divorce, and more.

Find Healing at an Executive Rehab Program

Many executives find it difficult to disconnect and free themselves from workplace stress. When this stress occurs in conjunction with a substance use disorder, it takes a heavy toll on your physical and mental health.

Because it can feel like you’re in charge of keeping everything running, you may be hesitant to seek addiction or mental health treatment. However, your mental and physical well-being are important. You deserve time to focus inward. Thankfully, plenty of rehab programs cater to the needs of executives. These programs ensure you can still reach the people who rely on you while you take time to heal.

Explore the world’s top rehabs for executives.

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Attending Rehab for Work-Related Burnout

Burnout can affect anyone. Even if you love your work, it’s possible to get overwhelmed. And ignoring your exhaustion may just exacerbate your symptoms. If you feel yourself hitting a wall, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. This experience is widespread enough that there are many rehab programs designed to treat work-related burnout.

This condition isn’t permanent—or at least, it doesn’t have to be. Although burnout is a collection of mental health symptoms, it is not a long-term diagnosis, like depression or anxiety. Instead, it is the result of external circumstances, combined with unsustainable work habits. It is highly treatable, but it should not be ignored.

Understanding Job Burnout

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress1 that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by exhaustion, increased cynicism or mental distance from one’s job, and a sense of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. These symptoms must specifically occur in the context of work, and not describe other areas of the client’s life.

Unfortunately, this condition is on the rise. In one study, 52% of respondents reported experiencing burnout2 in 2021, up from only 43% in 2020. This may be partly due to the stress of current events, although more research is needed. Whatever the root cause, it’s clear that high levels of stress have become pervasive in the culture of the workplace.

Even if you’re not personally going through burnout, the numbers indicate that most people work with those who are. By compensating for your colleagues’ exhaustion, you may be at risk of developing the same condition. This is especially important because of the social aspects of burnout.3 The three primary symptoms of this condition, as described above, place “the individual stress experience within a social context,” which may cause it to negatively impact your relationships.

Experts have identified 6 key domains of a person’s life that are related to burnout. Stress within these areas may represent a risk factor for developing symptoms.

Workload

“Overwork is a main cause of burnout.”4 If you can’t take time off, you may experience both mental and physical symptoms of exhaustion. These can include anxiety, a lack of focus, loss of sleep, and even physical pain. Insufficient rest can also increase levels of cortisol,5 the stress hormone, which may lead to additional health issues.

When you have too much to do, it can become difficult to prioritize and deprioritize various tasks. You might spend hours color-coding a spreadsheet, but be too tired to brush your teeth. This type of inattention can cause additional problems at work, if you simply don’t have the time or energy to complete important projects. Over time, these behavioral patterns can increase your workload even further, causing you to spiral into a state of exhaustion.

Control

Healthcare professionals often assess burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a tool that asks clients to rate their emotional experience of exhaustion, cynicism, and similar criteria. Christina Maslach, creator of this scale, explains that “control problems occur when workers have insufficient authority6 over their work or are unable to shape the work environment to be consistent with their values. A sense of efficacy is unlikely to occur when workers are feeling buffeted by circumstances or powerful people within the organization.”

At first glance, it may seem that this lack of control mostly affects employees, rather than high-level executives. But this dynamic is more complex than it appears. Workers at every level have a responsibility to various people, whether those people are employers, employees, shareholders, or clientele. No matter your position, certain circumstances may make you feel like your needs are less important than the company’s. If you find that you have irreconcilable differences, it may sound appealing to simply change jobs. If you’re in a position of power, however, it’s not always that simple.

the dawn rehab burnout treatment
The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, Thailand treats burnout using a combination of evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapies and Eastern holistic wellness practices.

Reward

In the context of work, the idea of reward is often linked to income. If you’re making less than you’re worth, you may be at a greater risk for burnout. But that’s just one aspect of this issue.

It’s also possible for your work to be unrewarding in and of itself. Almost no amount of money can make up for a boss who constantly berates you. And that lack of recognition can go in both directions. Many top executives spend more time-solving problems than they do receiving praise. Even if this pattern is good for the company, it can wreak havoc on your mental health.

Community

Community is an extremely important part of individual mental health.7 According to one expert, groups that “provide individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging…have positive psychological consequences.” Without a strong workplace community, you may be at a greater risk for burnout.

When an unsupportive culture is combined with an above-average workload, you may struggle to maintain meaningful relationships. If you don’t have time to socialize outside of work, you’ll depend on your colleagues for emotional connectivity. This pattern is unsustainable at best, and can be extremely harmful. If this is a primary contributor to your experience of burnout, you may want to consider a rehab program that can help you learn to build community.

Fairness

Even as children, human beings have an innate sense of fairness.8 In adults, of course, this matures into a more complex understanding of equality. At any age, we long to be treated well, receiving the compensation and recognition we feel we’ve earned.

Our perceived sense of fairness impacts our productivity,9 and perceived injustice can lead to burnout. Research suggests that when workers feel they are being treated unfairly, they are likely to take more sick time. This is often caused by objectively unfair treatment, such as racism or sexism. However, the perception of unfairness is equally important. If you believe that you’ve been unfairly passed over for a promotion—even if your employer has good reasons for choosing someone else—you may become more cynical about your work.

Values

When a worker’s values and goals don’t align with those of the company, it “may result in lower job satisfaction4 and negatively impact mental health,” writes Jennifer Moss, author of The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It. This misalignment can sometimes be avoided through clear communication, especially at the time a person is hired. However, that’s not always possible. Both people and companies change over time. If you’re with a company long enough to go through major life transitions—such as getting married or becoming a parent—your needs may shift significantly.

In order to find a workplace that shares your priorities, you must first be able to articulate what you value. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it’s important to be ruthlessly honest with yourself. For example, imagine you’re a person who highly values creative expression, and you’re working at a company focused on robust scientific research. While both of these are laudable pursuits, you might not be happy sitting at a desk and crunching numbers. No one is at fault. But it’s your responsibility to define your needs and look for ways to meet them.

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

When your needs aren’t being met, you’re at a high risk of burning out. And if you’re used to prioritizing others’ needs over your own, it can be hard to notice this before it becomes a problem. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for people to ignore their exhaustion until it becomes unmanageable.

According to experts at The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you can recognize burnout by watching for the following symptoms:

  • Mental and physical exhaustion
  • Pessimism
  • Loss of interest in your job
  • Interpersonal issues in the office
  • Relationship and intimacy issues
  • Irrational irritability
  • Decreased productivity

Many workers—and especially high achievers—feel the pressure to just power through these symptoms, no matter how debilitating they may be. As tempting as it is, that strategy just isn’t effective. Even if the only goal is to do your job well, remember that you will be more effective at work if you take care of your mental health first. And what’s more, you deserve the same care and attention that you offer your colleagues and your clients.

all points north lodge burnout treatment
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado uses cutting-edge therapeutic technologies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) to treat burnout and other mental health conditions.

Attending Rehab for Burnout

Rehab isn’t just for substance use disorders. Many programs are specifically tailored to help clients heal from job burnout. In this type of treatment, you can expect to balance your time between relaxation and more traditional therapies.

Inpatient treatment isn’t a vacation. However, treating burnout is calming and rejuvenating. During this time, you’ll take a break from work, reassess your priorities, and develop more sustainable habits to use in the future. Your program may include a number of different components.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy helps clients reconnect with themselves. You’ll work with a provider to define your personal values and find ways to honor them in your daily life. You may also work through cynicism or resentment, and develop skills to avoid unhealthy behavioral patterns.

As you get to know yourself again, you may also learn to differentiate between regular stress and the warning signs of burnout. If your work gets out of hand in the future, this knowledge can help you recognize warning signs as early as possible.

Mindfulness

Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices help you stay in the present moment. With these skills, clients are better equipped to regulate their emotions. While stress is sometimes unavoidable, you can gain some amount of control over your own response to it.

Massage Therapy

Massage isn’t just rejuvenating; it can also help strengthen the connection between body and mind. By relieving physical tension, clients may also learn to let go of emotional stress. Different types of massage therapy may be more focused on relaxation or on relieving specific areas of pain. Either way, clients often find that this modality helps them work through both physical and emotional symptoms.

Therapeutic Technologies

Some facilities offer access to cutting-edge technologies known to relieve symptoms of burnout and exhaustion. At All Points North Lodge, for example, you may engage in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is known to alleviate anxiety, depression, and a host of physical conditions. Your team of experts will help you decide whether this treatment is appropriate, given your unique health needs.

Personalized Recovery From Job Burnout

Burnout may cause you to feel emotionally disconnected, both from those around you and from your own needs. Because of this, treatment is often personalized for each specific client.

By choosing between a variety of therapies, you can reconnect with your own most deeply held needs, goals, and values. At its best, this process is both therapeutic and enjoyable. This is your opportunity to decide what it means for you, specifically, to live a healthy life.

To learn more, browse our list of rehab programs that treat work-related burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab for Job Burnout

What are the signs of burnout?

Signs of burnout are often physical, behavioral, and emotional:

• Mental and physical exhaustion
• Decreased productivity 
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in your job
• Interpersonal issues at work 
• Relationship and intimacy issues

Can you go to rehab for burnout?

Yes, you can go to rehab for burnout. Treatment programs for workplace burnout often combine conventional therapies, like talk therapy, with relaxation techniques.

How do you treat burnout?

The first step is to pause work as you reassess priorities and develop more sustainable habits. Burnout treatment at rehab often includes talk therapy, mindfulness, therapeutic technologies, massage, and more.