Burnout

Burnout isn’t a personality flaw, and it isn’t just being tired. The World Health Organization describes it as an occupational phenomenon: the result of chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It tends to show up as exhaustion, growing cynicism or detachment from work, and a sense that you’re getting less done no matter how hard you push.

In men, it often doesn’t look like the stock photo. It can look like irritability, working even longer hours, more drinking, less patience at home, and a flat “I’m fine” when anyone asks.

This section is about recognizing burnout early and doing something practical about it. It also clears up one of the most persistent myths in the wellness world: “adrenal fatigue.” It’s not a recognized medical diagnosis, and the articles here explain what the research actually found and what might be going on instead.

Burnout overlaps with depression and other conditions that deserve professional care. If your low mood has lasted weeks, if you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy, or if you’ve had thoughts of harming yourself, please talk to a clinician. In the U.S. you can call or text 988 any time.