Stress and Burnout

Stress and Burnout Counselling – Calgary

When we experience an increase in pressure or demands in our daily life from things like work, family life, health issues, or changes in our circumstances, it can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. Although short periods of stress are normal, prolonged stress can have serious consequences leading to issues like fatigue and sleep problems, physical ailments, and a decline in mood and cognitive functioning. When people experience unresolved, prolonged periods of stress, burnout can occur. 

What can cause burnout?

Burnout can come from many different sources of stress. Some common sources of stress that can cause burnout include:

  • Caregiving stress: Caregiver burnout is common and can lead to compassion fatigue.
  • Work or school stress: Workplace or school stress and work overload can lead to burnout.
  • Environmental stress: Prolonged stressors in our environment can cause burnout including living through a pandemic, or living in an area with crime, noise, or pollution.
  • Chronic illness: A long-term chronic experience with health challenges can also lead to burnout. 

Common symptoms of burnout include:  

  • Chronic fatigue and changes in sleep
  • Lower sense of compassion and empathy for others
  • Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy 
  • Avoiding activities, situations, and people you used to enjoy
  • Feelings of dread, pessimism, and guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling “fuzzy” or “brain fog”
  • Difficulty performing daily tasks
  • Feeling unaccomplished despite working harder

KM Counselling

Stress & Burnout Treatment - Calgary

8 Varsity Estates Circle NW

587-324-2398
Let's Connect

Free 15-min phone consultations

stress burnout treatment calgary - office

What is Burnout?


What to Do if I Have Symptoms of Burnout

If you are experiencing symptoms of burnout, it is important to create a plan to address it before it causes more serious problems such as depression or anxiety. Several things you can do on your own to manage symptoms of burnout include:

  1. Identifying your stress triggers.
  2. Identifying your coping tools that you find helpful.
  3. Using calming strategies like deep breathing and guided meditation.
  4. Making small changes to your daily routine by focusing on building in breaks for rest, meals, and physical activity.
  5. Connecting with your support network to share how you have been feeling.  

If you have been struggling to manage your stress or burnout on your own, therapy with a registered psychologist can help you learn effective tools and strategies to get back to feeling better. 

At KM Counselling you will work with a registered psychologist committed to ensuring that the therapy process is tailored to meet your specific needs. At the onset of counselling, you will work with the therapist to explore your current challenges and strengths. From there, treatment goals and first steps will collaboratively be developed and worked on together. 


Frequently Asked Questions About Stress and Burnout Treatment 

Is stress and burnout treatment effective?

Yes. Symptoms of stress and burnout can be effectively treated with psychological counselling and may include other recommendations such as time off work. Most people that receive treatment for stress or burnout notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. The effectiveness of counselling is always dependent on several factors, including the severity of symptoms and possible co-existing conditions.

How long does treatment for burnout take?

Treatment length will vary depending on the complexity of symptoms; however, an average treatment length for burnout is in the range of 6 – 12+ appointments. Most people can start to see some improvement within the first several sessions.

What other resources are available?

  • Mindshift App – Free App that offers support for managing symptoms of stress.
  • Moodgym– Self-help online tool for learning skills to manage stress.
  • COVID-19 stress management tools – American Psychological Association’s quick tips for managing stress during a pandemic.

groves of varsity calgary - km counselling - location of practice

Many issues that people seek counselling for are not easy to talk about. That is why KM Counselling strives to create a safe and empathic space where you can talk about the hard things with a registered psychologist who will tailor a counselling approach specific to your unique needs. 

No matter what issues you are seeking support to address, KM Counselling is here to help explore the issues most important to you. Don’t wait to experience meaningful, lasting change. 

Let’s connect today. 


KM Counselling

Stress & Burnout Treatment - Calgary

8 Varsity Estates Circle NW

587-324-2398
Let's Connect

Free 15-min phone consultations

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