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Burnout protocol

You're not lazy.
You're running
on empty.

Founder avatar

By Kevin

Clinician-informed · Psychiatric NP candidate

Clinically trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, polyvagal theory + more

Last reviewed: April 16, 2026

You keep pushing but nothing moves. Things that used to energize you feel like obligations. Rest doesn't recharge. You wonder if you're broken, weak, or just not trying hard enough.

Nothing is wrong with you. In formal WHO language, burnout is an occupational phenomenon tied to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. People can also feel profoundly depleted by caregiving, relationships, financial pressure, or prolonged strain outside work. The experience is real even when the label needs care.

Burnout vs. Depression — they're different. Depression says "nothing matters." Burnout says "this mattered so much it broke me." Depression is generalized loss of interest. Burnout is specific — tied to demands exceeding resources. The distinction matters because the interventions differ.

This protocol is informed by the Maslach burnout model, one of the most widely used research frameworks in this area. You'll check in on your current pattern, identify what's draining you, and leave with a concrete recovery plan.

Clinician-informed by Kevin, a psychiatric nurse practitioner candidate. Local-first where supported.

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Why this can help + sources

Plain-language framing, evidence strength, and primary or authoritative sources.

Sources

Burnout is best handled with careful scope. The WHO definition is occupational, and the most credible guidance focuses on reducing chronic work stressors and increasing control, recovery, and support.

WHO defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon related to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, not as a medical diagnosis.

A · stronger supportApplies to: burnout framing, work-related exhaustion, cynicism, reduced efficacy

Guidelines, meta-analyses, or well-established evidence for the underlying method.

Workload, low control, long hours, insufficient support, and similar psychosocial risks are central drivers of burnout.

A · stronger supportApplies to: recovery planning, boundary-setting, workload and control conversations

Guidelines, meta-analyses, or well-established evidence for the underlying method.

Scope note: Outside work, people can absolutely feel similarly depleted. We just avoid calling every kind of depletion 'burnout' because the formal WHO term is narrower.

Protocol integrity

Last reviewed

April 16, 2026

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