About burnout
Burnout is exhaustion linked to work: emotional fatigue, distance or cynicism towards the job and a feeling of not being effective. Psychological support focuses on recovery, workload and boundaries, values and, when needed, decisions about the work situation.
Occupational (work and organisational) psychologists deal with well-being at work: stress and burnout prevention, workplace conflicts, career guidance, leadership and team development.
Getting mental health care in the Congo - Kinshasa
Public health system · Ministère de la Santé publique, Hygiène et Prévention – Programme national de santé mentale (PNSM)
The national mental health programme (PNSM) has used the WHO mhGAP approach since 2011 to integrate mental health into primary care, and the Centre neuropsychopathologique (CNPP) in Kinshasa is the reference centre for mental disorders. Trained staff are very scarce, most psychiatrists work in Kinshasa, and there is no specific national mental health budget.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ordre des médecins de la RDC (Conseil national de l'Ordre des médecins). Created by Ordonnance-loi 68-070 of 1968; no one may practise as a doctor without being entered on the Ordre's register (tableau). Ask for proof of registration with the Ordre.
Urgent help in the Congo - Kinshasa
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Police (Kinshasa)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: acp.cd, acp.cd, mdpi.com, webarchive.archive.unhcr.org
Signs to look out for
Burnout develops gradually under prolonged work pressure. Common signs include exhaustion that rest does not fix, feeling detached, cynical or numb about your job, a sense that nothing you do makes a difference, and difficulty concentrating. You may dread Monday, feel irritable with colleagues or family, get ill more often, or find that weekends and holidays no longer help you recover.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists, clinical psychologists and occupational psychologists can help with burnout. Cognitive-behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and stress-management programmes help with recovery, boundaries and values. Support often includes looking at workload, job demands and possible changes at work. A doctor should assess exhaustion and rule out physical causes or depression, and may advise on time off.
When to seek urgent help
Burnout can overlap with depression. If you feel hopeless, cannot function at all, or have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek prompt medical care for physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or fainting.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to protect clear boundaries between work and rest, such as switching off notifications after hours. Prioritise sleep, regular meals and gentle exercise. Talk to someone you trust about how you feel, and, if possible, discuss workload with your manager or occupational health service. Reconnecting with activities and people outside work helps. Avoid relying on alcohol or stimulants to keep going.
What does a occupational psychologist do?
An occupational psychologist, or work and organisational psychologist, applies psychology to the workplace. Day to day they may assess and select candidates, design training, improve team dynamics and leadership, assess psychosocial risks such as stress or harassment, support organisational change and promote well-being. Some also offer individual career guidance, coaching or support with burnout and return to work.
When to see a occupational psychologist
An occupational psychologist can help individuals facing career decisions, job loss, work stress or a return after sick leave, and organisations dealing with conflict, high turnover, burnout risk, restructuring or the need to assess psychosocial risks. If work stress has led to significant anxiety, depression or exhaustion, a clinical psychologist or doctor should also be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in the Congo - Kinshasa cover psychological care?
The national mental health programme (PNSM) has used the WHO mhGAP approach since 2011 to integrate mental health into primary care, and the Centre neuropsychopathologique (CNPP) in Kinshasa is the reference centre for mental disorders. Trained staff are very scarce, most psychiatrists work in Kinshasa, and there is no specific national mental health budget.
How do I check that a occupational psychologist is licensed in the Congo - Kinshasa?
Ordre des médecins de la RDC (Conseil national de l'Ordre des médecins): Created by Ordonnance-loi 68-070 of 1968; no one may practise as a doctor without being entered on the Ordre's register (tableau). Ask for proof of registration with the Ordre.