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Talking About Stress and Burnout in France

Open up to a friend about work stress, explain it to your GP, and talk about getting back on your feet.

In France « le burn-out » is a widely recognised word, and a GP can sign you off work with an arrêt maladie that is sent electronically to the Assurance Maladie, then forwarded by you to your employer. Through the Mon soutien psy scheme, up to 12 sessions a year with a partner psychologist are reimbursed, and you can also see the médecin du travail (occupational doctor) in confidence. If you are in crisis, the free national line 3114 answers day and night.

Silhouette of a man working late in a modern glass building, showcasing architecture and solitude.
Photo: Giannino Nalin on Pexels
  1. 1

    Je suis complètement épuisé.

    I'm completely exhausted.

    Tip: Use the feminine ending if you're a woman.

  2. 2

    Je suis débordé au boulot.

    I'm snowed under at work.

    Tip: Use the feminine ending if you're a woman.

  3. 3

    Franchement, j'en peux plus.

    Honestly, I can't take it any more.

  4. 4

    J'arrive pas à décrocher, même le week-end.

    I can't switch off, even at weekends.

  5. 5

    Je dors mal en ce moment.

    I'm sleeping badly at the moment.

  6. 6

    Je suis sous pression.

    I'm under pressure.

  7. 7

    Tu devrais prendre quelques jours.

    You should take a few days off. (to a friend)

  8. 8

    Il faut que tu prennes soin de toi.

    You need to look after yourself. (to a friend)

  9. 9

    T'en as parlé à ton chef ?

    Have you talked to your boss about it?

  10. 10

    Je crois que je fais un burn-out.

    I think I'm burning out.

  11. 11

    Je pleure pour un rien.

    I cry over nothing.

  12. 12

    En ce moment, tout m'énerve.

    Right now everything gets on my nerves.

  13. 13

    J'aimerais parler à un psychologue.

    I'd like to talk to a psychologist.

  14. 14

    Le médecin m'a mis en arrêt deux semaines.

    The doctor signed me off for two weeks.

  15. 15

    J'ai besoin de lever le pied.

    I need to slow down.

  16. 16

    N'hésite pas à m'appeler.

    Don't hesitate to call me. (to a friend)

  17. 17

    C'est pas une faiblesse.

    It's not a weakness.

  18. 18

    Je vais apprendre à dire non.

    I'm going to learn to say no.

  19. 19

    Je me sens mieux depuis que je marche.

    I feel better since I started walking.

  20. 20

    Courage, ça va aller.

    Hang in there, it'll be OK.