In January 2026, a nurse from Gatineau Hospital broke her silence. In a publicly released letter, she described a healthcare environment at its breaking point: constant overload, a lack of genuine psychological support, and threats of arbitration for those who dared to take sick leave. Behind her testimony was a brutal statistical reality: nearly 4,500 nurses in Quebec's public healthcare system were on leave at the time, suffering from burnout or injury.
This portrait, although rooted in the healthcare sector, extends far beyond hospital walls. Burnout — the Burnout — touches today more than one in five workers in Quebec, across all sectors.
What is burnout?
Burnout, recognized by the WHO as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress, manifests in three dimensions:
- A feeling of exhaustion or complete lack of energy
- Increased mental distance from work
- Reduced professional efficiency
Physical and psychological signs not to ignore
Physically
- Persistent fatigue despite rest
- Sleep disorders
- Frequent headaches, muscle tension
- Digestive problems
- Recurrent infections
Psychologically
- Feeling of emptiness or detachment
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of motivation
- Anxiety, persistent sadness
- Progressive isolation
The link between diet and mental health
The relationship between diet and mental health is well-documented. High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of depression. Conversely, a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with better emotional balance through the gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis.
A nutrition consultation can be a valuable support during periods of exhaustion. Our nutrition services at Clinique Omicron are accessible to everyone.
When to consult
- Symptoms persisting for more than two weeks
- Difficulty completing your usual tasks
- Feeling of emptiness or despair
- Using alcohol or substances to manage stress
Our mental health services are available at our service points in Quebec and via telemedicine. Make an appointment.
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
Insurance receipts. 7j/7. No family doctor required.
