Men often miss burnout until exhaustion takes hold

Men often continue functioning after their energy reserves have been depleted, SRF reports. Psychologist Christian Baumgartner and men’s coach Christoph Walser explain why many men notice burnout late and seek help only after prolonged strain.

Many men have learned to handle problems on their own and to be resilient. Experts say social roles and expectations influence how men respond to stress and crises, and when they seek support. According to the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, men seek help for psychological distress up to 40 percent less often than women. Baumgartner says they also tend to seek it much later.

Exhaustion can appear differently in men. Rather than withdrawing, men more often try to compensate for stress. This can lead to irritability, increased alcohol consumption or risky behaviour. Baumgartner says socialisation can discourage men from showing certain emotions. Anger, he says, is often the emotion they are most able to express, while feelings such as being overwhelmed or vulnerable are shown less openly than by women.

Shame can make it harder to talk about psychological strain. Many men fear that admitting weakness or seeking help will cause others to see them as unable to cope or as failures. The Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich has introduced a men’s consultation service to lower this barrier. It is aimed particularly at men who have not previously sought psychological help. Baumgartner says it is important to signal that they are welcome.

Burnout usually develops gradually rather than appearing suddenly. Walser, who has supported men experiencing burnout as a coach for almost 30 years, describes it as a process of exhaustion caused by prolonged overload. Work pressures, problems in private life and too many daily stimuli can accumulate over time, with the consequences emerging only gradually.

Walser says prevention requires what he calls the ability to recover. Men need to learn how to relax and recuperate regularly, he says. This includes deliberately setting aside time to build what he calls a personal space in which they do something just for themselves. Such breaks can help restore energy, particularly when work and family responsibilities are demanding.

Where to find help in Switzerland

The 143 hotline and website 143.ch offer round the clock telephone counselling and emotional support from trained volunteers. The 147 hotline and website 147.ch provide support for young people with worries and fears.

Pro Mente Sana offers free advice on psychosocial and legal issues for people with psychological impairments, their relatives and other close contacts. Information on finding psychiatrists and psychotherapists is available at psychiatrie.ch, while psychologie.ch provides a directory of Swiss psychologists.