Shelly Fernandez is a registered nurse and health writer based in New York City. She is passionate about patient education and helping people better understand what’s happening in their care. 

Burnout is an occupational phenomenon caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed (World Health Organization, 2019). It shows up in three main ways: feeling emotionally or physically exhausted, developing a sense of cynicism or detachment from work, and experiencing reduced professional efficacy. Burnout is not a mental health diagnosis, or a personal failure. Dr. Christine Maslach describes burnout as a “prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job,” and in her research identified six main ways workplace environments cause burnout, which is more than just overworking.

Burnout is often confused with depression or anxiety. Burnout, which is rooted in chronic work-related stress, can contribute to both physical and mental health challenges and may cause or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. For people already living with a mental health diagnosis, burnout can intensify existing symptoms. While burnout may begin in the workplace, its effects can spill into other areas of life. Understanding how burnout and mental health interact can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and recognize when additional support may be needed. 

Many people don’t realize how common burnout is. In fact, national surveys show that more than half of U.S. workers report feeling burned out (Eagle Hill Consulting, 2025). This is especially common in high-stress fields like healthcare, where long hours, emotional labor, and systemic pressures are part of daily work. 

As a registered nurse, I have seen how burnout builds over time. Many people enter helping professions because they care deeply, yet caring alone cannot protect against exhaustion when systems may be understaffed, under-resourced, and sometimes inflexible. 

This pattern can be seen in my field, nursing. National data show that roughly 65 percent of nurses report high levels of stress and burnout (Florida Atlantic University, 2025). This level of strain shapes how nurses think about their careers. Workforce research also shows that stress and burnout are among the primary reasons nurses are leaving bedside roles and, in some cases, the profession altogether (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2025). 

If this resonates with you, here are some options to consider. 

First, use your time off. Taking paid time off or sick days allows your nervous system to reset, even if you are not traveling or doing anything “productive.” Research on occupational stress and recovery shows that taking breaks from work and mentally detaching from job demands is associated with lower levels of emotional exhaustion, (National Institutes of Health, 2020). Time away can create space to reflect and regain perspective, which can help guide your next steps. 

Seek support. Burnout thrives in isolation and talking with others who understand workplace stress can help you feel less alone and more grounded. Research shows that social support can buffer the effects of stress and improve resilience (American Psychological Association, 2023). NAMI-NYC, for example, offers confidential support through its Helpline and connects people to mental health support groups, classes, and other programs across New York City. Reaching out for support can be an important step toward managing stress and feeling supported. 

Reflect on what this job represents in your life. Your job can offer financial stability, but you help you move towards other growth goals like creative freedom. As a simple journaling exercise, consider writing: “What is this job helping me build right now?” Expressive writing has been shown to support emotional processing and can help you make sense of work-related stress during periods of burnout (American Psychological Association, 2022).  

Give yourself permission to consider change. This could mean adjusting expectations at work. or exploring a different path. Addressing work-related stress earlier rather than later can help reduce long-term health risks, as evidence shows that chronic stress at work contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other adverse physical and mental health outcomes (Li et al., 2017). 

Burnout is common in modern work culture, but it does not have to define your future. Support, rest, and reflection can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and decide what comes next. If work stress feels overwhelming, NAMI-NYC can help you find support and take the next step forward.