It's essential to recognize the warning signs of burnout before it's too late.

Sometimes, they can be difficult to identify until they've already started to have an impact on your mental health; especially as, taken separately, they can be seen as something other than pre-burnout symptoms.

Burnout can also arise in complicated family situations (caring for sick relatives, etc.).

According to a recent survey done by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Services Inc., “More than three-quarters (78 per cent) of Canadian employees say they’ve felt burnt out in their careers at some point and 35 per cent say they’re currently experiencing burnout.”

Westfield's Director of Wellness, Richard Holmes, has compiled a list of five signs that you may be suffering from burnout.

Here are 5 signs that you may be suffering from burnout syndrome:

1. Fatigue

One of the most common signs is persistent fatigue, which is likely to have an impact on your daily life. "With high levels of stress come stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. The constant elevation of these hormones can make you feel incredibly tired," explains the wellness expert.

2. Mood swings

Burned-out people often suffer from mood swings and frustration.

"When we're under pressure and emotionally distressed, we sometimes get irritated very easily," explains Richard Holmes, who recommends asking yourself, "Have you recently reacted to something in a way that's not like you?"

3. Worry and anxiety

Feeling anxious and on edge is a common psychological symptom of burnout.

"If it's your job that's causing the exhaustion, for example, you may feel more anxious as soon as you're at your desk to work," Richard Holmes points out.

4. Physical symptoms

Burnout can also cause a wide variety of physical symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal problems.

Richard Holmes explains, "It can also lead to a weakening of your immune system, so you get sick more often."

"Overall, monitoring your symptoms and when you experience them will help you determine if you're exhausted, if it's a recurring pattern. And then you can implement the changes you need to make to alleviate the symptoms."

5. Difficulty performing everyday tasks

Because of the fatigue generated by burnout, you may lack motivation and find it hard to complete your daily tasks. "You may find it difficult to complete daily tasks, which means your diet, lifestyle, and sleep patterns change," says the expert. Unexpected changes in your daily routine can be a sign of burnout.