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.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in the Gambia
Public health system · Ministry of Health public health services
The country has one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka (inpatient and outpatient), and one psychiatric outpatient clinic, both in and around the capital. A community mental health team visits health facilities in rural areas on a schedule. Services are scarce, and patients may have to buy medication themselves.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia. The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act established the Council, which registers and disciplines medical and dental practitioners. Ask a psychiatrist for their Council registration.
Urgent help in the Gambia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 116 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, extranet.who.int
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 psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to 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 Gambia cover psychological care?
The country has one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka (inpatient and outpatient), and one psychiatric outpatient clinic, both in and around the capital. A community mental health team visits health facilities in rural areas on a schedule. Services are scarce, and patients may have to buy medication themselves.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in the Gambia?
Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia: The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act established the Council, which registers and disciplines medical and dental practitioners. Ask a psychiatrist for their Council registration.