Burnout and Stress in Altrincham & Hale: Understanding and Managing It

By Dr Kiran Morjaria, GP at Mayfield Clinic Altrincham & Hale

Understanding Burnout and Stress

If it feels like everyone you know is stressed, overwhelmed or running on empty, you’re not imagining it. Burnout has quietly become one of the biggest health issues of the last decade and winter always seems to push people closer to their limit. In the UK around 1 in 4 adults experience significant stress that affects their ability to function each year. A Mental Health UK survey found that 88 percent of adults reported feeling overwhelmed by stress at least once in the past year. In a 2024 UK workforce survey, nearly half of workers said they were close to burnout and 1 in 3 said they felt stressed every single day. Stress is estimated to account for over half of all sick days in the UK.

“Burnout is not just being tired or having a busy week it’s a state of emotional exhaustion, reduced ability to cope, feeling detached or cynical and physical symptoms”

What Is Burnout?

Burnout happens when your body and brain have been under stress for so long that they stop coping properly, leaving you exhausted, overwhelmed and struggling to function. It’s more than just being tired or busy it’s your system running out of fuel. The World Health Organization now recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon linked to unmanaged chronic stress.

Key Signs and Symptoms

Look out for:

• Constant exhaustion
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Trouble sleeping or waking up unrefreshed
• Irritability or feeling emotionally flat
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Headaches, muscle tension or stomach issues
• Feeling detached, cynical or unmotivated

Managing Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Recognising burnout is the most important first step. If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout start by taking small steps to reduce stress and prioritise rest. Make sure to get enough sleep, take short breaks during your day and speak to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Seek urgent care if you notice severe physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, thoughts of harming yourself or any sudden mental health crisis. For most cases a routine appointment with your GP or a clinic like Mayfield Clinic Altrincham or Hale is appropriate if stress is persistent, affecting your daily life, or not improving with self care.

Preventing and Managing Burnout

To keep stress in check:

• Schedule regular short breaks and allow downtime away from work or responsibilities
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine to help your body and mind recover
• Engage in daily movement or exercise - even a 10 minute walk
• Set boundaries on work and social commitments to protect your energy
• Talk to someone early whether a GP, therapist or a supportive friend before stress escalates
• Use mindfulness apps and consider yoga for active mindfulness

Burnout is a sign that your body and mind need a break and telling someone along with taking early action can prevent it from getting worse. I see patients with burnout as a GP almost daily and have worked closely with the mental health team in my area. I also have experience in the home treatment team in Salford looking after patients with stress, anxiety, depression and psychiatric disorders.

‍Book an appointment at Mayfield Clinic Altrincham or Hale if stress or burnout symptoms have been ongoing for a few weeks, are interfering with work, relationships or daily life, or if self care strategies haven’t helped.