Workplace Stress and Burnout Help in the UK

The NHS Every Mind Matters page on work-related stress (read 9 November 2026) says you may notice changes in emotions, thoughts or behaviour, including:

• feeling withdrawn, less motivated or less confident
• feeling more tearful, sensitive or aggressive
• jumping to conclusions or the worst-case scenario, or blaming yourself
• avoiding tasks, working longer hours or weekends, working on holiday, or taking more time off

Source: NHS: work-related stress.

The NHS describes burnout as physical and emotional exhaustion. It can drain energy and motivation, affect work, wellbeing and relationships, and may increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Stress often feels like too much: you may feel overwhelmed but still believe things will improve once you get them under control. Burnout can feel like you have nothing left to give: empty, exhausted and detached, with little motivation or hope that things will change. It can develop gradually. Symptoms listed by the NHS include feeling tired and drained, losing motivation, feeling helpless or detached, becoming more negative, withdrawing from others, struggling to get things done, and changes to sleep or appetite. Source: NHS: work-related stress.

The NHS suggests working out what you find stressful, focusing on what you can change (for example boundaries, asking your manager for support, or getting advice about rights if redundancy is a worry), talking to someone you trust, setting boundaries especially if you work from home, belly breathing when you feel stressed, building resilience, and looking after yourself with short breaks, walks, healthy lunches and stretches. Source: NHS: work-related stress.

If work stress involves bullying, discrimination or safety risks, speak to HR, a union or a trusted manager, and get independent advice if you need it. Therapist Circle cannot advise on employment law.

If burnout or work stress is affecting your daily life or mental health, the NHS says talk to a GP or contact NHS Talking Therapies. CBT can help change unhelpful thoughts. Source: NHS: work-related stress. Find a service: NHS Talking Therapies finder. More on types of therapy: NHS: talking therapies.

Private options on Therapist Circle include:

• counsellors and psychotherapists
• practitioner psychologists
• CBT therapists
• occupational therapists who support energy, routine and return-to-work planning — search occupational therapists

Related guides: stress, anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, sleep.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask before you book and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.