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Burnout – More Than Just Exhaustion

Burnout has become a growing global concern, exacerbated by the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the relentless cycle of modern life. In Australia, 62% of workers report experiencing burnout, while in New Zealand, 70% of workers face the same struggle. These figures significantly exceed the global average of 48%, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
Recognising Burnout
Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it manifests in a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including:
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Indifference
- Depression
- Irritability and anger
- Sleep disturbances
- Lack of motivation or passion
- Cognitive difficulties
- Impaired performance
- Becoming asocial
- Emotional lability
Beyond these symptoms, burnout negatively impacts relationships, work-life balance, and self-care. However, distinguishing burnout from clinical depression can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Practitioners rely on assessment tools such as the Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), alongside clinical reasoning, to accurately diagnose burnout.
The Biology of Burnout
Burnout develops when excessive and prolonged stress prevents the body from returning to homeostasis, leaving it in a perpetual state of ‘fight or flight.’ Stress triggers two key systems:
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Activates within seconds, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline.
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: Releases glucocorticoids, impacting blood sugar, energy, and immune function.
While these responses are essential for survival, chronic stress disrupts their regulation, contributing to burnout. Certain factors also increase susceptibility, such as age, relationship status, and personality traits like perfectionism, overcommitment, and an inability to say no.

Reigniting the Burned-Out Flame
Recovery from burnout is possible, and nutritional and herbal support play a vital role in restoring balance.
Nutritional Support
- Vitamin C: A daily dose of 500 mg twice daily for four weeks has been shown to improve cognition, motivation, and focus—key areas diminished by burnout.
- B Vitamins: Chronic stress depletes B vitamins, crucial for regulating the ANS and HPA axis. These essential nutrients can be found in Vitamins B5, B6, and C for Stress and Adrenal Health.
- Magnesium: Prolonged stress lowers magnesium levels, exacerbating exhaustion. Supplementation, particularly when combined with vitamin B6, has been shown to reduce stress levels by more than 40%. Mental and Physical Energy Powder provides essential magnesium support for combating burnout-related fatigue.
Herbal Remedies
- For Exhaustion with Restlessness: Rehmannia glutinosa (rehmannia) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) support HPA axis function and energy restoration. Found in Rehmannia Complex for Nervous Exhaustion, these herbs also offer neuroprotection.
- For Loss of Motivation and Energy: Withania somnifera (withania), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), and Rhodiola rosea (golden root) enhance cognitive function and reduce the impact of mental and physical stress. These adaptogenic herbs are included in Herbal and Nutritional Support for Adrenal Health.
Overcoming burnout requires a multifaceted approach, addressing underlying stressors, perfectionist tendencies, and lifestyle habits. By combining foundational nutrition, targeted herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments, practitioners can help patients navigate the journey from burnout to renewed health and resilience. Make an appointment today to see which herbal remedy your body is looking for.