In the beginning, there is an unusually high level of professional commitment combined with the desire to exceed one’s own standards of perfection and performance — even when personal limits are crossed in the process.

• Work is consistently carried out with high internal tension
• The need to perform tasks above average dominates
• Leaving the office earlier than usual causes discomfort

The personal demand for perfection no longer permits delegating tasks. The conviction of being irreplaceable blocks any possibility of relief from others.

• Tasks are processed at an ever-increasing pace
• Anything left undone immediately triggers a guilty conscience
• Overtime and long workdays become the norm

Work takes absolute priority — family, friends and even basic needs like sleep and recovery fade into the background. These are often compensated for with coffee, nicotine or alcohol.

• The feeling that one’s own life is falling short becomes a daily experience
• After work or on weekends, there is no energy left for activities
• More and more concentration is needed to avoid overlooking anything

Initial mistakes creep in, things are forgotten — yet such weaknesses are consistently denied. Physical warning signals are also pushed aside.

• Susceptibility to infection increases noticeably
• Difficulty falling asleep or frequent wakefulness at night become the norm
• Work dominates even private conversations

Social relationships — even with close loved ones — are increasingly perceived as disruptive. What was once important is now dismissed as unimportant.

• The work situation feels burdensome in new ways
• Friction with colleagues occurs more frequently
• Tensions grow within the family environment

Time together with family and friends becomes rare. Everyday demands are met with cynicism or aggression. From this point on, temporary exhaustion tips into a full-fledged burnout.

• A conviction emerges that one must endure more than others
• The feeling of being misunderstood intensifies
• There is virtually no time left for sports or hobbies

Social withdrawal becomes complete. Hopelessness and a sense of alienation spread. The declining performance is now noticed by the person themselves — often replacement gratifications are sought.

• Meetings with friends and acquaintances become increasingly rare
• The ability to experience joy is lost
• Alcohol or medication becomes a release valve for stress

Visible changes in behavior become apparent to others. Concerned inquiries are rejected, criticism is no longer accepted — the withdrawal deepens further.

• Interest in friendships fades almost entirely
• The wish to simply be left alone dominates
• Switching off only works in front of a screen

The sense of one’s own personality is no longer felt. Appreciation — for oneself and for others — nearly disappears.

• The affected person appears inwardly lost and empty
• Relatives openly express their concern
• Health limits are repeatedly exceeded

Discouragement, exhaustion and a leaden fatigue dominate daily life. Anxiety states and panic attacks increase noticeably.

• New professional challenges feel like an unbearable burden
• On weekends, a queasy feeling arises at the thought of Monday
• Even the simplest daily tasks require enormous effort

Lack of drive and loss of joy become the prevailing mood. Affected individuals feel downcast and overwhelmed by existential doubts — burnout tips into clinical depression.

• Inner emptiness returns in waves
• Entire days are dominated by despair
• The wish to simply stay in bed becomes overwhelming

Emotional exhaustion now fully manifests physically. Affected individuals can effectively do nothing more — especially not work. In this phase there is acute suicide risk — specialist help is essential.

• Getting up in the morning becomes an insurmountable hurdle
• The inner monologue says: “I can’t go on. I don’t want to continue like this.”
• Professional treatment is now urgent and life-saving