Beyond Burnout webinar- What's next?

[BeyondBlue]

Hi everyone,

You’re probably here because you want to either prevent or recover from burnout, or you’ve just attended Beyond Burnout. We understand that this topic resonates deeply with many of us. Burnout can affect anyone, and discussing it openly is a powerful step toward healing, prevention, and knowing that you’re not alone.

If you’re unsure where to start your conversations about burnout, this is the space for you. Whether you want to share your own experiences, ask questions, or simply connect with others who understand what you're going through, you're in the right place.

If you're seeking additional support, here are some resources:

• Burnout and Mental Health: Including our Burnout Check-In Tool and practical tips on how to stay well at work
• Personal Stories: Read about people’s experiences with burnout

We’ll also use this space to post some of the questions and answers from the webinar discussion. Feel free to dive in and keep the conversation going.

Our webinar recording is now available to watch: Beyond Burnout Webinar recording

Thank you again for joining us — we’re glad you’re here. 💙

[BeyondBlue]

Question: What do you do if you feel like you yo-yo between ok and not ok?

Answer: That can be really tricky.
If you’re worried about your mental health and how burnout may be impacting your life, a good starting point is to visit a General Practitioner to discuss what you have been noticing.
We have also collected a lot of mental health resources and support on this webpage: Burnout and mental health

[BeyondBlue]

Question: Is lethargy, the "meh" feeling, an indicator towards burnout?

Answer: Absolutely. That feeling of 'meh' can certainly be an indicator that something is not feeling quite right, especially if it is something that you do not typically experience.
If you need support, we recommend reaching out to your GP for a discussion. You are also always welcome to contact Beyond Blue’s Support Service on 1300 22 46 36.

[BeyondBlue]

Question: How do you manage burnout when you're dealing with your adult child's mental health issues — especially when she doesn’t acknowledge there's a problem, and every service I have reached out to, have refused to help me because she's an adult and has to seek help herself? I am really concerned for her mental well being. I just want to know where to turn for support to help her and myself.

Answer: Thank you for sharing. That sounds like an incredibly difficult position to be in. One of the best things we can do is reach out for additional support to help us get through. This might look like speaking with a GP for a referral to a mental health practitioner who can support you on this journey. This is something that many carers of adult children face - you are not alone. You are always welcome to reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36 to discuss some further strategies, too.

[BeyondBlue]

Question: How can you confidently approach your managers about burn out without fear of being disregarded or sort of punished for needing the time away or the extra support?

Answer: Great question. Speaking up about mental health can be a very intimidating prospect. Employees have a right to a mentally healthy workplace. Is there anyone within your organisation (such as a people and culture representative) that you feel comfortable talking to? It can help to have some additional support. For some additional information, we have compiled a list of strategies and resources here: Burnout and mental health

[BeyondBlue]

Question: As a neurodivergent, the definition of burnout sounds sadly like every normal day. Are you able to talk about how harmful nd burnout is especially?

Answer: Thank you for your question. Burnout can absolutely look different for neurodivergent individuals. While there are a range of ways this can present, one common term is 'autistic burnout'.
Autistic burnout is the exhaustion that comes from living in a world that’s not designed for Autistic people. You can learn more about autistic burnout from Autism Spectrum Australia: https://www.aspect.org.au/
They’ve also got a handy fact sheet about it: Autistic burnout factsheet

[BeyondBlue]

Question: I wish I could've taken time off work, but I wouldn't be able to afford it. I cant afford a therapist either. What online tools or readings would you suggest for those of us trying to manage it ourselves, with very limited funds?

Answer: You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
It sounds like a really hard time for you at the moment. We encourage you to contact the Beyond Blue’s Support Service on 1300 22 46 36 or via webchat, here. We also have some additional information on burnout and looking after yourself here: Burnout and mental health. 

[BeyondBlue]

Question: How do we move away from focusing burnout on mental health and a diagnosis and the individual to more of an organisational issue (related to conditions)?

Answer: This is a really important question. While we can implement strategies as an individual, there is also a responsibility on workplaces to create a mentally safe and healthy workplace. If there is anyone within your organisation that you can bring this up with, it is a worthwhile conversation to have. We have more information about workplace and burnout here: Building a mentally healthy workplace 

[BeyondBlue]

Question: I provide care and support for my chronically ill spouse, in addition to fulltime work. I am feeling burnt out and I'm not sure how to overcome it. What can I do?

Answer: Thank you for sharing. Caring can be an incredibly demanding role. Speaking with a GP about what supports are available near you can be a great first step.
Carers can also access practical and emotional support through the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Further information is also available through Carers Australia: https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/.

We hope this can be helpful. Thank you once again for sharing and being here today.

[BeyondBlue]

Question: How can I support a partner who is going through cycles of burnout?

Answer: Thank you for your question. It can be really challenging watching a loved one experience burnout. It may be worthwhile recommending they book in for a mental health appointment with their GP for a first place to discuss what they are experiencing and what some next steps might be. Even a gentle suggestion that they browse our burnout resources and self check-in might be helpful: Burnout check-in tool. If you would ever like someone to talk to, Beyond Blue's Support Service is available 24/7 on 1300 22 46 36 or reach out to us online, here.