Burnout is more than just feeling tired. For humanitarian workers, it can manifest as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.
The unique challenges of humanitarian work—exposure to trauma, demanding schedules, and limited resources—create a perfect storm for burnout. Understanding these factors is the first step toward prevention.
At The Break, we've observed that many humanitarian workers don't recognize burnout until they're deep in it. That's why we focus on early intervention and building resilience before crisis hits.
Key signs to watch for include chronic fatigue, cynicism about your work, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or insomnia. If you're experiencing these, it may be time to seek support.