Stress & Burnout
You do not need to be in crisis for stress and burnout support to be worth considering. Many people who come to Charis Psychological Services in Johannesburg for burnout support are still functioning day to day. Work simply feels relentless, the weekends are not enough to recover, and the drive that used to be there has quietly gone missing.
What Is The Difference Between Stress And Burnout?
Stress is usually tied to a specific, identifiable pressure and tends to ease once that pressure lifts. Burnout builds up over a longer period of sustained pressure. It shows up as exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from work, and a reduced sense of effectiveness, even once the immediate demands have eased.
What Are Common Signs Of Burnout?
- Feeling functional, but only just, with little left over at the end of the day
- Snapping at people you care about, or withdrawing from them
- A loss of interest in things that used to matter
- Telling yourself it will ease up soon, without it actually easing
How Does Therapy Help With Burnout?
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, therapy for burnout typically looks at the relational and systemic patterns underlying sustained pressure, including how work, identity and relationships interact. Sessions aim to help you understand what has led to this point, and work through practical and emotional changes from there.
Is Medication Part Of Burnout Treatment?
Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Where medication may be relevant, your psychologist can discuss this with you and, with your consent, liaise with a medical doctor or psychiatrist as part of a broader plan.
What Does Recovery From Burnout Realistically Look Like?
Recovery is rarely instant, and it is not only about rest. It generally involves understanding the patterns that led to burnout in the first place, alongside practical changes to work and life, which is why the process tends to unfold over a number of sessions rather than a single conversation.