Burnout is often used to describe work related exhaustion, detachment or reduced sense of effectiveness. It is not a medical diagnosis, and a guide cannot determine whether a person has burnout, why they feel depleted or what will prevent a difficulty from worsening. An assessment can consider workload, recovery, control, values, relationships, physical health, mood, sleep and practical pressures. Prevention is not only an individual task Models of work life mismatch can help structure a conversation about workload, control, reward, community, fairness and values. They do not prove that one factor is the cause for a particular person. Some pressures need organisational change, adequate staffing, fair processes, practical support or time away from work. A therapist can explore the emotional and behavioural impact of work but cannot decide what an employer must do, provide legal advice or certify fitness for work. Assessment led practical steps A useful first step may be to notice what has changed, how rest affects the pattern, what happens outside work and whether there are changes in mood, sleep, concentration, relationships or physical health. Small adjustments to routine, boundaries or recovery can be considered alongside conversations with a manager, HR, a union, occupational health or a GP where relevant. What is safe or realistic varies by person and workplace. Therapy and workplace context CBT based or acceptance based therapy may help explore overwork, self criticism, avoidance, worry, guilt, activity patterns and values where clinically appropriate. It cannot replace an employer’s responsibilities, occupational health input, financial advice, medical assessment or a crisis service. Workplace adjustments and employment rights need to be discussed through the relevant workplace, union, occupational health or legal route. Medical and urgent safety boundaries Fatigue, sleep changes, pain, weight change, concentration problems or changes in movement can have physical health causes. New, severe or concerning symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than attributed automatically to burnout. If you cannot keep yourself safe, have thoughts of harming yourself, experience psychosis, severe agitation, confusion or a sudden marked deterioration in mental state, seek urgent help. In immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. Frequently asked questions Can a guide tell me how to prevent burnout? No. It can outline general considerations, but the relevant next step depends on context, health, safety and practical options. Can therapy arrange workplace adjustments? No. Therapy can support reflection and coping, while workplace decisions require the relevant employer or occupational health route. Related information is available at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/burnout measurement diagnosis/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/depression vs burnout/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/depression/ and https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/anxiety/. If work related exhaustion is affecting daily life, an enquiry can clarify whether CBT based support, medical review, occupational health input or another source of help may be the relevant next step.