“Classically, we refer to burnout as the triad of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a lack of accomplishment,” says Carol Bernstein, MD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. But burnout can result from nonwork stresses, too, and lead to less-obvious symptoms. Burnout might be the result of a job or a specific set of responsibilities (like being the primary caregiver for a spouse or child with a chronic illness), but its effects tend to affect other facets of life, too, explains Cassandra Aasmundsen-Fry, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with Mindwell Modern Psychology and Therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “Usually people feel a growing sense of feeling physically and mentally unwell and having difficulty coping with their everyday life,” she says. So, symptoms of burnout can be quite varied, she says. Because burnout can have such ranging and detrimental effects to health and well-being, it’s important to recognize it and do something about it. “Left untreated, burnout causes lasting physical consequences as well as weighs on your relationships and your ability to work,” Dr. Aasmundsen-Fry says. RELATED: Tips for Coping With Burnout When Quitting Is Not an Option Here are eight less common signs of burnout:
1. Lots of Pessimism
2. Trouble Sleeping
People tend to get less restful sleep when they start to struggle with burnout, says Anthony Wheeler, PhD, professor of management and dean of the school of business administration at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, who researches employee stress, burnout, engagement, and leadership.
RELATED: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need Each Night?
4. Lowered Immunity
“The immune system becomes compromised,” Dr. Wheeler says.
5. Weight Gain
People experiencing burnout may gain weight, Wheeler says. There are a few reasons for this. “It’s a combination of things — your body’s biological response is increasing the likelihood of gaining weight, plus reduced sleep, depression, and eating habits also change,” Wheeler says. All of those factors can contribute to weight gain.
RELATED: Weight Gain Around Menopause Is Linked to Lack of Sleep
6. Isolation
7. Muscle Pain
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