Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, particularly in the workplace. It occurs when someone feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Over time, this can lead to a sense of increased or unmanageable stress, detachment, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.
We often think of the fast-paced corporate world when we hear the word "burnout," but commercial fishermen can experience this, too — not from the physical act of fishing, which many find fulfilling, but from the increasing demands that surround the profession. Navigating complex regulations, filling out required reports, and attending endless meetings about their industry or community can create a heavy administrative burden. For those who are involved in boards and committees, the burnout can be exacerbated by the weight of responsibility, advocacy, and time spent away from fishing. These external pressures, combined with the unpredictable nature of the industry, often contribute to a sense of exhaustion and overwhelm that goes far beyond the daily work on the water.
Risk factors can include working long and hard hours, experiencing a lack of autonomy or control, insufficient reward, lots of changes in your workplace, and a lack of community or shared values.
What can burnout look like for a fisherman?
The big three of burnout are emotional exhaustion, cynicism & irritability, and a loss of productivity and/or confidence. You might also experience self-doubt, a sense of isolation & detachment, sleep disturbances, more frequent illnesses, and other symptoms.
So, yes, fishermen get burnt out.
Burnout is a serious concern for commercial fishermen, not just due to the physical demands of their work, but also the growing administrative, regulatory, and emotional pressures they face. It's not about doing "too much" — it's about feeling "not enough." These external demands can lead to exhaustion and strain that, without proper attention to recovery and balance, can take a significant toll on mental and physical well-being.
What can you do about it?
Ask for help—ask your doctor, find a personal trainer or physical therapist, or ask another fisherman for some support. Talking to others about stress and burnout can offer relief and you can likely get some helpful advice.
Spend time with family and make sure to connect with others—many fishermen are introverts and may naturally gravitate toward alone time, but quality connection with others can support your mental health and wellbeing. Many fishermen tend to isolate when they are having a tough time, but sometimes, this is the most important time to look for connection.
Sleep well & get good nutrition—sleep can be tough during a busy fishing season, but aim for several hours of uninterrupted sleep. And, make sure you're eating well and fueling your body appropriately. A 200-pound fisherman needs 3,000-3,500 calories for the typical workday so fuel up with lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, and olive oil), and complex carbs (whole grains, squashes, veggies, and more.)
Reduce alcohol consumption—drinking only exacerbates feelings of burnout and adds stress to your body. Try an alternative beverage you love to relax from your busy day: tea, hot chocolate, or flavored seltzer. If you're cutting back on alcohol, you may find yourself craving sugar, so keep some dark chocolate on hand for an extra mood boost.
If you need immediate help:
NAMI Maine Helpline 800-464-5767, press 1
Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255
Substance Use Support Hotline (877) 967-2149
Monique Coombs, MCFA's Director of Community Programs, has a current Personal Trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) but she has been certified previously by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is also a NASM-certified Nutrition Coach, and is currently studying to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) test.
