Volunteer burnout is when a volunteer is in a state of chronic stress that can lead to exhaustion, detachment and even negative thoughts and actions.

Sadly this happens often to volunteers because of their desire to help others they often put aside their own personal needs. But as we set boundaries, understand our purpose and our impact, we can prevent a potential burnout.

Factors that can cause volunteer burnout:

• Overwhelming amount of responsibilities
• Imbalance in your life
• Not understanding your purpose or impact
• Job loss
• Family or work obligation

Signs of burnout:

• Extreme stress
• Lack of motivation or love for what you do
• Feeling exhausted
• Becoming closed off to your feelings
• Feeling ineffective

Potential coping strategies: 

• Email your group leader for support or a reduced workload
• Know that the work you do makes a difference
• Take a break and breath
• Know that burnout happens but that it does not need to last

Resources: 

1. Mental Health First Aid Canada
2. Preventing Burnout: Galaxy
3. Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself 
4. Better Help

If you are having suicidal thoughts or feelings or know someone who is, please immediately to the Canadian Suicide Prevention call line.