What Are the Signs of Burnout in Men?

**The problem:** You're exhausted. But you can't tell if it's temporary tiredness, depression, or something they call burnout — and you're not sure it matters. **The answer:** It matters because the interventions are different. Burnout is specifically a response to chronic, unresolved work stress. The WHO defines it by three dimensions: 1. **Exhaustion** — not just tired, but depleted in a way sleep doesn't fix 2. **Cynicism or detachment** — things that used to matter feel pointless; you've gone emotionally flat 3. **Reduced effectiveness** — simple tasks take longer, decision-making feels harder, you're making more mistakes In men, burnout often hides as: - Irritability and low-grade anger that feels disproportionate - Heavy reliance on alcohol or other numbing behaviours to "switch off" - Complete emotional withdrawal from family or social life - Physical symptoms: headaches, chest tension, gut issues with no clear medical cause **The key difference from depression:** Remove the stressor (take leave, change role) and burnout typically improves. Depression doesn't resolve that cleanly. If this sounds familiar, it's time to take it seriously before the choice is taken from you.