Complex with Kimberley Wilson Are you burnt out?
Dec 17, 2025
Dr. Peter Olusoga, a senior lecturer and chartered psychologist specializing in stress and burnout, joins to dive deep into the phenomenon of burnout. He defines it as a response to chronic workplace stress, exploring its three core characteristics: exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and cynicism. The conversation addresses societal pressures like hustle culture and quiet quitting, along with practical recovery strategies such as micro-breaks and reclaiming hobbies. Dr. Olusoga emphasizes the organizational responsibility in preventing burnout and stresses the importance of self-compassion.
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Burnout Is A Workplace Stress Response
- Burnout is a psychological response to chronic workplace stress rather than a medical diagnosis.
- It often appears in jobs with heavy emotional and relational demands like nursing and teaching.
Receptionist Example Of Emotional Shutdown
- Kimberley describes a long-term receptionist who became emotionally shut off from clients after years of demanding work.
- The story illustrates cynicism and emotional withdrawal as hallmark burnout signs.
Three Core Features Of Burnout
- Burnout has three core features: exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and depersonalization/cynicism.
- All three must be present over time to indicate burnout rather than transient stress.