Supporting Professional Wellness in Santa Barbara

“At Mental Wellness Center, we understand that professional burnout is a legitimate mental health issue. It affects healthcare workers, educators, corporate employees, and entrepreneurs, but certain professions are at higher risk, including healthcare providers, educators, social workers, and service industry professionals,” says Annmarie Cameron, Mental Wellness Center CEO. “That’s why we feel it’s important to spotlight the issue during Professional Wellness Month and foster wellness by offering support and strategies for anyone seeking recovery from workplace burnout.”

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress—especially in the workplace. It’s now recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling drained and emotionally exhausted
  • Increased cynicism or detachment from work
  • Reduced performance or effectiveness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep problems or physical fatigue

According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 3 in 5 employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress.

How to Recover: Burnout Is Treatable

Burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a sign that something in your environment or workload needs to change. Recovery is possible with the right support.

Strategies to begin healing include:

  • Seek professional help: Therapists can provide guidance tailored to your needs.
  • Set boundaries: Reduce unnecessary responsibilities or commitments.
  • Prioritize rest and sleep: Recovery requires time and replenishment.
  • Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and grounding can reduce stress.
  • Build social support: Talk to friends, family, or coworkers you trust.

Local Support Resources in Santa Barbara

Mental Wellness Center
Offers affordable and supportive programs for stress, anxiety, and workplace burnout, including an offering of Mental Health 101: a customized mental health educational presentation brought into the workplace of local employers .

Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department
Offers services including counseling, crisis intervention, and case management.

Cottage Health Outpatient Behavioral Services

National Mental Health Support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Mental Health America

Crisis Text Line

  • For immediate help: Text “HELLO” to 741741 (free, 24/7 support)

How Employers Can Help

Fostering professional wellness isn’t just a personal responsibility, it’s a workplace issue.

Employers can help reduce burnout by:
  • Encouraging time off and flexible scheduling
  • Promoting mental health days
  • Offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
  • Creating psychologically safe, open workplaces

Your Path to Wellness Starts Today

If you’re struggling with burnout, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to handle it on your own. Reach out. Take a break. Talk to someone.