Burnout syndrome – when fatigue becomes a chronic problem

Author Naya Medic date 29.09.2025.

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, we are increasingly encountering the term burnout syndrome. It is not just about “work fatigue”, but a serious condition of chronic exhaustion that affects a person’s physical and mental health.

Modern lifestyle demands constant productivity and availability. The body and mind have their limits, and when we ignore them, serious exhaustion occurs, which is not only psychological but also physical and metabolic.

Burnout syndrome affects corporate employees, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, teachers, students, and even parents, all those who are constantly exposed to the stress and pressure of everyday obligations.

Burnout is a condition that develops gradually, often imperceptibly. At first, we ignore it, thinking that it is “normal to be tired,” but over time, exhaustion turns into chronic fatigue, insomnia, frequent headaches, digestive problems, and a feeling of emotional emptiness.

What is burnout syndrome?

Burnout syndrome is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs as a result of long-term stress and overload. Although it is most often work-related, it can also occur due to personal obligations and constant pressure.

Unlike ordinary fatigue, burnout does not go away with rest or sleep. It becomes chronic and affects a person's overall health, relationships, and quality of life.

How to recognize burnout?

Symptoms develop gradually, but become more pronounced over time. The most common are:

constant fatigue and exhaustion,
insomnia or poor quality sleep,
decline in concentration and memory,
loss of motivation and satisfaction in work and daily activities,
feeling of alienation, cynicism, or listlessness,
physical symptoms: headaches, muscle pain, decreased immunity, digestive problems..

Why does burnout occur?

The most common causes are:

long-term exposure to stress,
unrealistic expectations and perfectionism,
lack of support in the environment,
poor time organization and lack of rest,
neglecting basic physiological needs: sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise.

It is important to emphasize that burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a response of the body to a prolonged period of pressure.

What consequences does it have?

If not recognized and treated in time, burnout can lead to serious problems:

mood disorders (anxiety, depression),
chronic fatigue,
decreased immunity,
hormonal imbalance,
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

How can you help yourself?

The first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem. Burnout is not a passing phase, but a condition that requires attention and lifestyle changes.

Small changes can make a big difference:

introducing regular sleep and rest,
a balanced, nutritionally balanced diet,
regular physical activity, at least a daily light walk,
time for yourself: a hobby, meditation, relaxation techniques,
setting boundaries,
reducing perfectionism.

How can Naya Medic help?

At the Naya Medic polyclinic, we view burnout syndrome holistically and integratively, because exhaustion is not only a psychological condition, but also a physical and metabolic one.

Our approach includes:

diagnostics of the cause - detailed medical history and laboratory analyses of stress hormones, inflammatory markers, vitamin and mineral status, analysis of the cause of chronic fatigue.
A team of experts – an endocrinologist, a nutrition subspecialist-dietitian, and complementary medicine doctors – creates a recovery plan tailored to you.
Individualized programs – nutritional therapy, supplementation, hormone balancing, sleep regulation, and stress management.
Complementary methods – energy therapies that contribute to a faster restoration of balance.
Online consultations with our doctors - support is available to you wherever you are.