How To Recover From Burnout: A 20-Part Series

20 Short Videos And Companion Articles To Help You Recover From Burnout

This series was created by a psychologist to help you progress from burnout diagnosis to medical leave, through recovery, to a successful return to work.

Taken together, the 20 parts share with you much of what I have learned over the past 25 years as a psychologist from working with people in burnout.

Each video is paired with a short companion article that expands on the ideas discussed.

The series covers the full progression of recovering from burnout:

• from recognizing the symptoms of burnout (Parts 1 and 2)
• to being on medical leave (Parts 3, 4 and 11)
• to learning what to do to support your recovery (Parts 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 and 16)
• to understanding why you burned out (Parts 8, 9, 10 and 15)
• to learning how to prevent future relapses (Parts 17 and 19)
• through successfully returning to work (Parts 18, 20 and Bonus 1)

Some parts of the series are available, while others are in production. You can start with any available part that reflects where you are right now.

Browse the Full Burnout Recovery Series

1. 
   Part 1How to recognize severe burnout symptomsOutlines how to recognize severe burnout symptoms, how they differ from ordinary exhaustion, and when medical leave may be necessary.Available
2. Part 2Beyond antidepressants: burnout recovery requires restExplains why burnout is often diagnosed as depression, how antidepressants can complicate recovery, and why rest is necessary.Coming Soon
3. Part 3How to start medical leave for burnoutOutlines how to begin short-term medical leave for burnout by navigating your benefits plan, physician documentation, and communication with HR and insurers.Coming Soon
4. Part 4What to do if your medical leave application is deniedDescribes what to do if your medical leave application for burnout is denied, including gathering documentation, seeking a professional review, and pursuing an appeal.Coming Soon
5. 
   Part 5Medical Leave For Burnout: Disconnect From WorkLooks at why medical leave for burnout requires full disengagement from work, extended rest, and delaying major decisions.Available
6. 
   Part 6Burnout recovery requires slowing downExplains why slowing down is difficult on medical leave and why burnout recovery does not begin until you have shifted out of constant overdrive.Available
7. 
   Part 7Burnout recovery: Learn to improve your sleepDiscusses why sleep can remain disrupted during burnout recovery and outlines nervous system–informed steps that support more restorative rest.Available
8. Part 8Burnout Recovery: Take Better Care Of YourselfDescribes why improving nutrition and gradually reintroducing exercise are central to burnout recovery and long-term protection against recurrence.Coming Soon
9. Part 9Burnout Recovery: Learn To Pace YourselfDescribes what pacing your activities means in burnout recovery and how setting manageable goals and adjusting expectations helps avoid overexertion.Coming Soon
10. Part 10How To Say No To Avoid BurnoutDiscusses why learning to say no is necessary during burnout recovery and how setting limits protects limited energy.Coming Soon
11. Part 11How To Transition From Short-Term To Long-Term DisabilityLooks at what is involved in transitioning from short-term disability leave to long-term disability leave during burnout recovery.Coming Soon
12. Part 12How Long Will I Be On Medical Leave For Burnout?Examines what factors can influence the length of medical leave for burnout and why recovery timelines vary.Coming Soon
13. Part 13Burnout Recovery: Address Physical And Mental Health IssuesDetails why addressing both physical and psychological health issues during medical leave supports more complete burnout recovery.Coming Soon
14. Part 14Stigma Of Taking Medical Leave For BurnoutConsiders how concerns about stigma during medical leave for burnout can interfere with recovery and why prioritizing healing is necessary.Coming Soon
15. Part 15How Relationship Stress Contributes To BurnoutExplores how relationship stress can contribute to burnout and affect medical leave and recovery.Coming Soon
16. Part 16Medical Leave: When You're Asked To See A PsychiatristExplains why someone on medical leave for burnout may be asked to speak with a psychiatrist and what that process typically entails.Coming Soon
17. Part 17When Burnout Happens More Than Once: What Recovery RequiresExamines why burnout can occur more than once, how prior burnout increases future vulnerability, and what long-term recovery requires to reduce relapse risk.Coming Soon
18. Part 18Medical Leave For Burnout: When Are You Ready to Return To WorkOutlines how to assess readiness to return to work after medical leave for burnout, including signs of recovery and remaining limitations.Coming Soon
19. Part 19Medical Leave For Burnout: Don't Return To Work Too SoonExplores why returning to work too soon after medical leave for burnout can hinder recovery and why it's important to wait until you're truly ready.Coming Soon
20. Part 20How To Return To Work After Medical Leave For BurnoutDetails how to complete a gradual return-to-work program, which is usually required after taking medical leave for burnout.Coming Soon
21. Bonus 1Do I Have To Return To My Old Job After Medical Leave For Burnout?Considers why returning to your previous job is not your only option after medical leave for burnout and what alternative paths may be considered.Coming Soon

How to Use This Series

You do not need to watch or read all the parts in sequence. You may choose to move through the material slowly over time.

You may begin with recognizing burnout. Or you may already be on medical leave and want to focus on struggling to sleep or slowing down. You might focus on co-occurring physical and psychological issues, or on the complexities of returning to work.

About the Series

This series draws from the clinical experience Dr. Patricia Turner, a Registered Psychologist in private practice in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has acquired while working with high-functioning professionals who have burned themselves out through overextension — and who have then recovered.

Each video and article is practical, grounded, and realistic about the time and support burnout recovery requires.