Reported rise in workplace burnout concerns Valley mental health expert

PHOENIX – Professionals today are undoubtedly feeling the pressure of an “always-on” work culture, which causes stress and can often turn into burnout.

“Workplace burnout is extreme physical and emotional exhaustion that leads to the person not being as effective at what they do, not as engaged with what they do,” Dr. Gagandeep Singh, chief medical officer at Banner Behavioral Health hospital in Scottsdale, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

The two have similar symptoms, but Singh described burnout differently than depression. However, workplace burnout can cause clinical depression if gone untreated.

While many continue to work from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly difficult to decipher what is work-related and what is personal.

That is just one reason why workplace burnout seems to be reported at such high levels now.

A recent national survey asked 1,000 U.S. professionals about the current emotional handling of their jobs.

The survey found 77% of respondents reported they had experienced employee burnout at their current job, with more than half citing more than one occurrence.

“I’ll say from my own experience at work, this last year has just been so terribly difficult for everybody,” Singh said.

With all the hardships and quick adjustments endured in the last year, there has been a significant increase in anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns that can contribute to workplace burnout.

The best way to treat workplace burnout is to take time to nurture yourself and find what makes you passionate about your job.

Singh also recommended finding a relaxing activity and taking time away from work when you have it.

“It’s important to get help, knowing if things are getting out of hand,” Singh said. “There is help available and things will get better.”

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