When men function for too long
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic stress, overexertion, and insufficient recovery. Men are affected just as much as women, but they exhibit different symptoms and are less likely to seek help.
The traditional male role model ("always strong, always high-performing") leads many men to ignore warning signs. Burnout is not only psychologically stressful, but can also have serious hormonal and physical consequences, particularly for the heart, the immune system, and testosterone levels.
What is burnout?
Burnout is not a classic illness with a clear diagnosis, but rather a complex stress syndrome. It is typically characterized by a combination of emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and inner detachment from tasks or people.
Burnout occurs when stress levels consistently exceed the body's ability to recover. In men, this is often exacerbated by:
- Performance pressure at work
- Perfectionism or need for control
- Lack of emotional expression
- Family and financial responsibility
- Lack of sleep and lack of exercise
- Suppressed emotions and withdrawal
What symptoms do men exhibit when they experience burnout?
Men often exhibit fewer emotional symptoms, but more physical and functional ones. Those affected frequently report:
- Lack of motivation and chronic fatigue
- Irritability, cynicism, or anger
- Concentration problems
- Loss of libido and erection problems
- Sleep disorders
- Rapid heartbeat or blood pressure spikes
- Back pain or tension
- Alcohol or caffeine abuse as compensation
Many of these symptoms are dismissed as "normal stress", but without countermeasures, burnout can worsen over months or years.
How is burnout diagnosed?
Burnout is often diagnosed by ruling out other illnesses. The most important foundation is an open conversation with an experienced doctor or psychologist.
Also useful:
- Questionnaires on stress levels or exhaustion scales
- Hormone status (testosterone, cortisol, thyroid)
- Sleep analysis (melatonin profile, sleep apnea test)
- Heart rate variability (HRV) in relation to recovery ability
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha)
Particularly low testosterone levels combined with high cortisol are typical in burnout patients. This condition negatively affects libido, sleep, and mood.
How can burnout be treated?
The therapy consists of various components individually tailored to lifestyle, hormones and psyche.
Effective measures:
- Stress reduction and a clear daily structure
- Mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises
- Low-intensity endurance sports
- Psychotherapy or coaching
- Adjusting sleep rhythm
- Hormonal diagnostics and, if necessary, therapy
- Vacation, time off or work-related stress reduction
Burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a warning signal. Those who react before physical health problems develop can fully recover.
What should men consider regarding burnout?
Men tend to downplay problems for fear of showing weakness or failing professionally. However, early intervention is the crucial difference between exhaustion and chronic illness.
It is important to take symptoms seriously and not just try to "function" in the short term. A combination of physical examination, hormone analysis, and consultation is the most effective way back to clarity, energy, and inner stability.
Conclusion: Burnout is treatable if you react in time.
Burnout is not the end of one's capabilities, but often the beginning of change. Men who recognize that exhaustion is not an individual failure, but a biological warning signal, can find new paths.
With a targeted mix of rest, diagnostics, lifestyle adjustment and therapeutic support, burnout can not only be stopped, but actively transformed back into quality of life.
Tip: In the men's health podcast, Carsten Wölffling tells his personal story and how he now supports men in taking timely countermeasures. Listen now.
