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Burnout Prevention for Working Women: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions

Updated: Sep 15

Sometimes, burnout feels like a bit of buzzword - everyone from Lady Gaga, to your boss, to your next door neighbor seems to be suffering from it and it may all seem like a passing trend.

woman at risk of burnout

If I'm honest before 2003, I am not sure I truly believed burnout was a real thing. I knew about the serious impacts of anxiety and depression, but I thought they didn't apply to me so I generally thought very little about my mental health. This was my first mistake, which I am sure contributed significantly to me letting myself get so far down the burnout journey.


Is Burnout Real for Working Women?


Burnout is included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases. the WHO classifies burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," emphasising that it is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. However, we know that burnout can stem from various life aspects, including family responsibilities, caregiving, and social pressures.


Burnout is now a significant societal concern with The Mental Health UK Burnout Report warning that the UK is on the verge of becoming a “burnt out nation”. It reports that 91% of adults they spoke to in the UK said they experienced high or extreme pressure or stress at some point in the past year.


Working women are particularly vulnerable because they frequently juggle work alongside a larger share of domestic duties, caregiving and social pressures. In fact one survey of over 2000 UK working adults found that over 35% of women experience frequent burnout.


Effects of Burnout on Career, Health and Family


The impact of burnout can extend well beyond your own wellbeing; its effects can ripple throughout your personal and professional life, creating a complex web of challenges that affect not just working women, but also those around us. Some consequences of burnout are:


  • Deteriorating Mental Health: Although not the same as anxiety and depression, chronic burnout can serve as a catalyst for these and other mental health disorders. You may experience feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and chronic fatigue. These symptoms can escalate over time, leading to serious conditions that necessitate professional mental health treatment.


  • Physical Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to stress can significantly increase the risk of developing serious health conditions. Research indicates that chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and heart attacks, as well as gastrointestinal problems and metabolic issues. Additionally, a weakened immune system can result from ongoing stress, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This physical toll can create a vicious cycle, where poor health further exacerbates feelings of burnout.


  • Relationship Strain: Burnout often manifests as irritability, emotional numbness, or withdrawal from social interactions, which can place significant strain on relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. You may find it increasingly difficult to engage in meaningful conversations or activities, leading to feelings of isolation. This emotional distance can create a rift in your relationships causing your support systems to become less effective.


  • Impacts on Your Career: The implications of burnout in a professional setting can be damaging. You may experience decreased productivity, creativity, and overall job performance, which can lead to missed deadlines and increased absenteeism. This decline in work quality can not only effect your career trajectory but can also have repercussions for team dynamics and organisational success. In severe cases, burnout can lead to job loss or the need for extended leave, which can further complicate your career path and financial stability.


  • Decreased Quality of Life: When burnout sets in, the joy and satisfaction from life can greatly decrease. Activities that used to be enjoyable may become burdensome or dull, causing you to feel stuck in a cycle of negativity and hopelessness. This widespread feeling of dissatisfaction can infiltrate every part of life, making it hard to find fulfillment in personal pursuits, hobbies, or social interactions.


Practical Burnout Prevention Strategies for Working Women


Now you know Burnout can have such far reaching consequences you can start proactively protecting your mental health.


The Anti-Burnout Mindset is a way of increasing personal resilience and reducing your risk of burnout:



Mairi Joyce

17 May 2025

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