The World Health Organisation classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon characterised by energy depletion, increasing detachment from work, and reduced efficacy (WHO, 2019). It affects an estimated one in five working adults globally. In Sri Lanka, where workplace wellbeing conversations remain in early stages, many people are carrying this experience without a name for it.

What chronic stress does to the body

The stress response was designed for acute physical threat not sustained, low-grade pressure. When the alarm system runs continuously without sufficient recovery, consequences accumulate: disrupted sleep, impaired digestion, narrowed attention, and reduced emotional capacity.

Bessel van der Kolk writes that the body holds a record of everything it has been through, long after the mind has moved on (Van der Kolk, 2014). Chronic stress does not resolve when circumstances improve. It requires active recovery.

Why suppression makes it worse

Repeatedly pushing emotions down does not eliminate them. Unexpressed emotion accumulates and surfaces in physical symptoms, relationship difficulties, and reduced functioning. Children are particularly sensitive to the emotional state of the adults around them even when nothing is explicitly said.

What recovery looks like

Recovery does not require crisis. It begins with acknowledging depletion, setting boundaries, and accessing structured support before patterns become entrenched.

Our Burnout Support Programme and Bold and Brave adult programme are designed for people who are not at rock bottom but who recognise that something needs to change. The RTA Burnout Kit a nervous system regulation toolkit grounded in polyvagal theory supports this process at your own pace.