Burnout and work-related stress
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Burnout is a state of exhaustion from long-term, unmanaged stress at work, with feeling drained, detached or cynical, and less effective. WHO describes it as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition, but it can lead to depression or anxiety. Support can help you recover.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Emotional exhaustion
- Cynicism and detachment from work
- Reduced sense of professional efficacy
- Physical fatigue
How it is usually treated
- Cognitive approaches to burnout
- Workplace boundary-setting
- Values clarification
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I am exhausted by work and cannot recover”
- “I dread going to work every day”
- “I have lost motivation and feel cynical”
- “Rest does not help any more”
People with burnout may also notice depression, sleep problems or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A clinician asks about workload, hours, control, support and recovery time, and checks for depression, anxiety and physical causes of fatigue. Burnout itself is described by its pattern, not by a test.
Treatment and support
- Looking at the causes at work: workload, boundaries and support
- CBT approaches and values clarification
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction
- Rest, sleep and recovery routines
- Treating depression or anxiety if present
- Discussing time off or changes with your employer where needed
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess whether it is burnout, depression or anxiety, and agree a plan that fits your job. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A clinician listens to what is happening between you and the people close to you, or at work or study, and what you want to change.
Who is involved
A clinical psychologist usually leads therapy, with a psychiatrist involved if mood, anxiety or other symptoms are affecting you.
Between sessions
Sessions focus on skills and conversations you can try between visits.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is burnout the same as depression?
No, but they overlap. Burnout is tied to work. Depression affects all areas of life. Burnout can lead to depression.
Is burnout a medical diagnosis?
WHO describes it as an occupational phenomenon in ICD-11, not a medical condition, but its effects on health are real.
Do I have to quit my job?
Not necessarily. Many people recover with changes to workload, boundaries and support. Discuss with your clinician.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.