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Common antidepressant has rare but serious side effect with five symptoms

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Cambridgeshire Live

More than 24.4 million sertraline prescriptions were dispensed in England in 2024, making it the most commonly used antidepressant – but patients should be aware of a rare but serious side effect

Millions of people are prescribed sertraline every year. Latest figures show that in 2024 there were more than 24.4 million items of the drug dispensed in England, making it the most common antidepressant used to treat patients.

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The medication is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions and is only available with a prescription. Beyond depression, it can also be prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder.

It is believed to work by boosting the level of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates mood). When serotonin levels are balanced, you feel calmer and happier.

And while like most medicines it can have some side effects, the majority of these are mild. According to the NHS, not everyone will experience them.

However, it adds that if you do, they should clear quickly, saying: “Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.”

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And there are some which are serious that warrant urgent medical help, reports the Mirror. One of these is a rare but potentially severe condition called serotonin syndrome.

This has five symptoms and if you spot them you should dial 111. These include a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, twitching muscles, and feeling confused or agitated.

Common side effects

There are several common side effects and they also come with a warning: “If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking sertraline, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.”

Other common side effects include:

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  • headaches
  • feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • diarrhoea
  • problems sleeping
  • sexual problems, such as low sex drive (loss of libido)
  • putting on weight

Serious side effects

The NHS explains: “Sertraline can sometimes cause more serious side effects, although most of them are rare.”

Possible serious side effects of sertraline include:

  • an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
  • serotonin syndrome – a rare but serious condition that causes a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, twitching muscles and feeling confused or agitated
  • feeling very low and having suicidal thoughts

It advises you should call NHS 111 if:

  • you’re taking sertraline and think you might be having serious side effects
  • you’re having thoughts about harming yourself

What is serotonin syndrome

According to the Mayo Clinic, serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction which is caused by medications that build up high levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that the body produces naturally, which it needs for the nerve cells and brain to function.

But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhoea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures). Severe serotonin syndrome can cause death if not treated.

Serotonin syndrome can occur when you increase the dose of certain medications or start taking a new drug. It’s most often caused by combining medications that contain serotonin, such as a migraine medication and an antidepressant.

Some illicit drugs and dietary supplements are associated with serotonin syndrome. Milder forms of serotonin syndrome may go away within a day or two of stopping the medications that cause symptoms and, sometimes, after taking drugs that block serotonin.

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Other potential issues

“There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sertraline,” cautions the NHS.

This includes certain types of:

  • anticoagulants, such as warfarin and apixaban
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
  • antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as moclobemide and selegiline

The NHS further advises: “You should also not use the herbal supplement St John’s wort when taking sertraline. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline. It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”

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Cole Palmer’s miss of the season tells same old story for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

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Cole Palmer’s miss of the season tells same old story for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea had come to play, then, and they had also come to scrap. Leeds always offer a physical challenge and Estêvão Willian, Chelsea’s teenage winger, showed he was not intimidated by the bigger lads in white. At the end of the first half, Estêvão shoved Leeds centre-back Joe Rodon into the advertising boards.

It felt, in these moments, like one of Chelsea’s best performances of the season. Especially when Palmer struck the second from the penalty spot, after João Pedro was foolishly shoved to the ground by Leeds defender Jaka Bijol.

Game over? The home crowd probably felt so. Perhaps the home players did too. But then the game switched on one mistake by Caicedo, who tripped Jayden Bogle inside the area. Nmecha converted and suddenly the mood changed. Leeds grew strong.

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Within six minutes, they had their equaliser. A horrible goal to concede, and a delightfully easy one for Okafor to score. A collection of Chelsea players could not clear the ball, with two of them instead getting in their own way. At the end of it all, Okafor simply rolled into the net.

Chelsea complained that Bogle had handled in the build-up, and they might have had a point, but the bigger issue for them was their loss of control in the game. It was remarkable how quickly the night had turned, with Chelsea cruising and then suddenly panicking.

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DWP shares five things to know before making PIP claim

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Cambridgeshire Live

The DWP has outlined five key points on Personal Independence Payment including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the assessment process

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has produced a series of four videos about Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ). They are designed to help people understand what the benefit entails, who it’s intended for, how to apply, and the assessment process. These YouTube videos are accompanied by an online document outlining five key points everyone should know about PIP.

Recent statistics from the DWP reveal that as of the end of October, nearly 3.9 million people in England and Wales were claiming PIP. Comparable data shows that nearly half a million people are now claiming the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which replaced PIP for people in Scotland.

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The DWP’s YouTube videos direct viewers to the dedicated PIP pages on GOV.UK, where more comprehensive information is available, including the process for people nearing the end of life. Viewers of the videos on the official DWP YouTube channel are encouraged to visit the website to ensure they have all the necessary information about PIP eligibility before submitting a new claim, according to the Daily Record.

The DWP has outlined five key points for anyone considering making a PIP claim. These include:

  • Entitlement to PIP is not based on an individual’s health condition or disability alone but on how much a long-term health condition or disability impacts an individual’s daily life or mobility.
  • To qualify for PIP, the impacts of a health condition or disability must have been present for three months and be expected to last at least another nine months.
  • PIP claimants will undergo a functional assessment of how their health condition or disability affects 12 key everyday activities, which are fundamental to living an independent life.
  • If an individual can manage the PIP daily living and mobility activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period, without being supported by someone or using equipment, it is unlikely they will get PIP.
  • When applying for PIP, individuals should provide any relevant information they already have about how their health condition affects them. This may mean that a health professional can assess the claim using this information without a face-to-face or virtual consultation, and that a decision can be made more quickly. DWP says people should not request new documents for their application as these can incur a fee, for example, from GPs.

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North Yorkshire restaurant wins first Michelin Star in 2026

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North Yorkshire restaurant wins first Michelin Star in 2026

On Monday evening (February 9), Fifty Two at Rudding Park in Harrogate was revealed among the 20 new one-Michelin Star restaurants.

Fifty Two is an immersive dining experience where its bespoke open kitchen and garden “take centre stage” and the twist is, there is no official menu.

The newly announced Michelin Star restaurant (a first for Harrogate) is designed to “create a sense of food theatre”.

The Michelin Guide commented: “Five repurposed shipping containers in the grounds of the Rudding Park hotel provide the setting for a quite theatrical experience, with Adam Degg’s open kitchen and his chefs acting as the stage and its players.

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“The restaurant is named after the number of raised beds in the garden, which provide plenty of the produce for the creative dishes.

“Don’t be fooled by the occasional playfulness – there is real skill on show here.”

Head chef of Fifty Two says winning Michelin Star ‘means the world’

In a post on Instagram, Fifty Two’s head chef and host Adam who has featured on the Great British Menu, shared: “Winning this honestly means the world to us. When we opened, the goal was to create something genuine, fun and rooted in the incredible produce we grow in our kitchen garden. I have to give huge credit to Emma [Pugh] and her garden team, whose work shapes every dish we serve.

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“Thank you to my team – Other Adam™, Jess, Callum, Finn & Robbie. This recognition is a reflection of your energy, creativity and belief in what we’re building. I’m also deeply grateful to the Mackaness family for trusting me with this project and giving me the freedom to create my dream restaurant.

“Most importantly, thanks to everyone who walks in, sees no menu, and says ‘go on then.’

“Last night was a highlight of my career – a personal milestone. A reminder of how far we’ve come.

“For those yet to discover… the best parties happen in the kitchen!”

If you’re wondering what to expect when visiting Fifty Two, its website reveals: “An arrival drink will be served on the FIFTY TWO terrace at 7pm with dinner served at 7.15pm (Sundays arrival time will be 6pm with dinner served at 6.15pm). If the weather is suitable, there will be an opportunity to walk around the Kitchen Garden before dinner.

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“The evening continues with a series of dishes; a selection of snacks, freshly-baked bread; assortment of plates leading up to the main event, followed by dessert and selection of liqueurs.”


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It adds: “Like a dinner party with friends, there’s no menu and you place your faith in the cooking skills of your host!

“At FIFTY TWO, we use the highest quality ingredients cultivated in our kitchen garden (as such we are in the hands of mother nature!) or selected from trusted local producers and purveyors.”

Head kitchen gardener Emma Pugh and her team grow over 500 different edible plants.

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Fifty Two’s website continues: “Using organic and no-dig principles, the gardeners enrich the soil with a variety of organic matter so the crops are packed with nutrients giving the freshest seasonal flavours and textures on your plate.”

Over on Tripadvisor, the restaurant located on Rudding Lane, which also has 3 AA Rosettes, has an impressive 5/5 rating.

‘For those yet to discover… the best parties happen in the kitchen!’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

A recent diner posted: “A superb gastronomic and fun evening at Fifty Two with great service and stunning surroundings.

“The service is relaxed and fun and good with all chefs Adam, Other Adam and Finley and Jess involved.

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“All super friendly and confident yet fun and it all meant we had a great dinning experience with food that was inspirational ,and exceptional.”


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Another wrote: “Lovely atmosphere, good and informal welcome, excellent food together with a commentary for each course. An interesting touch was asking guests to chose a music track.”

This guest put: “Adam has a wonderful team at fifty two. The food tonight was dazzling. The wine pairing was exceptional.

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“The tasting menu was a rollercoaster of excitement honouring garden grown and regional fresh produce.

“My wife and I are honoured your team looked after us so well. Phenomenal food. Phenomenal friendly team. Thankyou.”

Will you be heading to Fifty Two at Rudding Park after its Michelin Star success? Let us know if you have been by leaving a comment below.

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The North Yorkshire coastal town which ‘ticks all the boxes’

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The North Yorkshire coastal town which 'ticks all the boxes'

Henry Pease, one of the fathers of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, once described seeing “a prophetic vision of a town arising on the cliff and the quiet, unfrequented and sheltered glen turned into a lovely garden.”

Today, Saltburn is better known for its colourful beach huts, quirky funicular cliff lift, and Victorian charm.

The town’s history, once linked to smuggling, is centred around the Ship Inn.

Saltburn Cliff Tramway. (Image: Dave Charnley Photography)

John Andrew, the pub’s landlord in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was known locally as the “King of the Smugglers.”

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Now, the town perched on the North Yorkshire coast, has been named one of the top places to live in the UK.

A guide from Muddy Stilettos shines a light on the country’s “loveliest city spots, towns and villages” with the best schools, shopping and pubs.

The Northern Lights over Saltburn beach. (Image: Chris Martin)

Muddy Stilettos described Saltburn as having: “A cool, laid-back vibe.

“This seaside gem ticks all the boxes.”

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The town also boasts a thriving surf scene and a growing creative community.

Its attractions include the only remaining pleasure pier on the North East and Yorkshire coast as well as one of the oldest funicular lifts in the world, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.

Saltburn has recently attracted high-profile visitors, including Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.

Mr Plant stayed at the Spa Hotel over Christmas while touring with his band Saving Grace, and performed a sold-out show in Middlesbrough Town Hall on the Sunday before Christmas.

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It appears the “prophetic vision” of a thriving town on the cliff has well and truly come to life.

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Biathlon medallist Sturla Holm Laegreid admits cheating on girlfriend

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Sturla Holm Laegreid of Norway

The seven-time world champion finished third in the biathlon – which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting – behind champion Johan-Olav Botn, a fellow Norwegian, and Eric Perrot of France.

It is a second Olympic medal for Laegreid, who won gold in the relay at the 2022 Games.

Asked about his admission in the news conference later, he added: “Of course, now I hope I didn’t ruin Johan’s day.

“I don’t know if it was the right choice or not, but it was the choice I made.

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“I made the choice to tell the world what I did so maybe there’s a chance she will see what she really means to me – maybe not, but I don’t want to think I didn’t try everything to get her back.

“I don’t want to steal the show. I hope this is just like a day-or-two thing. Then you are an Olympic gold medallist forever.”

Five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, who is now a biathlete expert with broadcasters NRK, questioned the timing of Laegreid’s admission.

“It came as a complete surprise. His action was wrong – we saw a repentant lad standing there. Unfortunately, the time, place and timing are all wrong,” said Boe, a former team-mate of Laegreid.

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Botn shouted the name of late team-mate Sivert Guttorm Bakken as he crossed the line to win gold.

Bakken was found dead on 23 December in a hotel room in northern Italy, about two hours from where the biathlon was held.

“I was racing with him the entire last loop. And, yeah, it was more like a feeling of crossing the finish line together, and seeing the number one beside my name was really special,” an emotional Botn said.

Laegreid added: “We were five guys on the start line, and one of them was watching from above. This was for Sivert, really.”

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Newscast – Has Keir Starmer Saved His Job (For Now)?

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Newscast - Epstein Files: New Mandelson and Andrew Allegations

Available for over a year

Today, Keir Starmer says that he will “never walk away from the country that I love” after surviving a turbulent 24 hours that saw the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for him to step down.

Speaking to the BBC, his energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour Party had “looked over the precipice” and decided to back their leader leading to a rallying of support from the cabinet and other senior party figures.

So, the Prime Minister is in the clear for now, but is he truly safe? Alex and James break down another turbulent 24 hours in Westminster before catching up with Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent and Caitríona Perry, BBC News chief presenter in Washington to discuss the wider fallout from the Epstein files in the US and for the royal family.

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You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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‘My heart transplant has been an amazing gift of life’

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Belfast Live

Just over three months since her transplant surgery, she is now growing in strength each day and walking has helped with her recovery.

A Co Down woman says she has been given the ‘amazing gift of life’ having recently undergone a heart transplant.

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Valerie McIlveen from Donaghadee lived with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) for 20 years after being diagnosed at the age of 46. DCM is a disease of your heart muscle where your heart chambers become enlarged and your heart’s muscle wall becomes thinner and weaker.

The 66-year-old golfer and former Ladies Captain of Donaghadee Golf Club said: “I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in 2006 and because of my deteriorating condition, I was assessed in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle Upon Tyne in September 2025.

READ MORE: ‘I always felt pacemakers were for older people until I got one fitted at 20 years old’READ MORE: ‘My heart attack was a real shock after being fit and healthy all my life’

“After being accepted onto the Urgent Heart Transplant List I was admitted to the Pre-Transplant Unit at the Freeman Hospital. Just four weeks after admission, I was in the fortunate position to receive an offer of a donor heart last November.”

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Just over three months since Valerie’s transplant surgery, she is now growing in strength each day and walking has helped with her recovery.

Now Valerie is on a mission for Heart Month in February to complete the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Walk for Hearts’ challenge. She is walking a mile a day throughout this month to raise much-needed funds for BHF’s research into cardiovascular disease.

Valerie, who has already raised over £1,400 to help fund research into cardiovascular disease, said: “I’m feeling fit enough to take up the BHF challenge to walk one mile per day in the month of February. I’m so thankful to everyone who is supporting me in my recovery.

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“The journey to regaining full recovery will be long, but each month brings increased quality of life. I would also like to highlight the huge nationwide need for organ donation.

“During my time spent in the Pre Transplant Unit, I met and became friends with other patients who have been waiting years for a heart transplant. I would therefore like to encourage everyone to seriously consider becoming organ donors and having the necessary conversation with their loved ones.”

Valerie added: “I am so grateful for the amazing gift of life offered to me by the donor’s family.”

Fearghal McKinney, Head of BHF Northern Ireland, said: “Valerie’s strength and resilience throughout the last number of months is really inspirational. We’re so thankful for her fundraising support of BHF’s Walk for Hearts challenge during Heart Month and for raising vital awareness of the urgency of cardiovascular disease and the need for organ donors.

“If you are one of the 230,000 people in Northern Ireland living with cardiovascular disease and you are able to exercise, walking could be especially helpful, as it is low impact and you can build up slowly at a pace that’s suitable for you. Valerie was checked by medical professionals and deemed well enough for this challenge and it’s important to speak with your own doctor for personalised advice.”

Fearghal added: “Every three minutes, someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease. Through our incredible supporters like Valerie, British Heart Foundation can power research that will enable people to live longer, healthier lives.”

To support Valerie, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/valerie-mcilveen-1#sharePage. Participants can sign up for ‘Walk for Hearts’ until February 14th. To find out more, visit www.bhf.org.uk/walkforhearts.

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For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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All Creatures Great and Small stars leave fans laughing

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All Creatures Great and Small stars leave fans laughing

As excitement continues to build ahead of the show’s US broadcast on MASTERPIECE | PBS, the much-loved cast took part in a light-hearted challenge that saw them step into each other’s shoes, with predictably hilarious results.

All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL 5)

In the clip, viewers are invited to imagine an alternative Darrowby, as Nicholas Ralph delivers lines as Tristan Farnon, while Callum Woodhouse takes on the role of James Herriot, completely flipping the script on the familiar period drama.

The playful video sees the actors reading out iconic lines normally spoken by their co-stars, giving them “a taste of life on the other side of the scene” and offering fans a glimpse of the strong camaraderie that exists off-screen.

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MASTERPIECE | PBS shared the clip with the caption: “Nicholas Ralph as Tristan? Callum Woodhouse as James? The script’s been flipped! Join the All Creatures Great and Small actors as they swap roles and get a taste of life on the other side of the scene.”

Fans were quick to respond, with many praising the cast’s sense of humour and chemistry, and joking about how “convincing” and “mischievous”.

The video is the latest in a series of promotional clips released following the end of Series 6 in the UK, which concluded with a Christmas Eve episode set in 1945 as the Second World War came to an end.



While the show is known for its storytelling and emotional depth, moments like this have delighted viewers by revealing the fun and warmth shared by the cast behind the scenes.

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All Creatures Great and Small, filmed across the Yorkshire Dales including Grassington, Broughton Hall and Oakworth Station, continues to enjoy huge popularity both at home and overseas.

With Series 7 and 8 already confirmed in the UK, fans on both sides of the Atlantic are eagerly awaiting a return to Darrowby.

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Why mid-career is such a dangerous time for burnout and workplace stress

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Why mid-career is such a dangerous time for burnout and workplace stress

Everyone recognises the trope of the stressed-out senior manager who’s always close to breaking point. But, in fact, mid-career is one of the most vulnerable periods for burnout and stress in a worker’s life. At this stage, many people have extra responsibilities outside work at the same time as their employer increases expectations around performance, availability and leadership.

Mid-career is often where this double load increases the risk of burnout. Research has found that these professionals experienced particularly high levels of burnout, worked longer hours and reported lower job satisfaction compared to other age groups. A key driver was the ongoing tension between meeting the demands of their job and maintaining a work–life balance.

Importantly, burnout is now widely recognised not as an individual failing, but as a workplace problem. The condition is characterised by emotional exhaustion, cynicism and lower productivity, with research showing that it is shaped primarily by organisational structures, cultures and leadership practices rather than a worker’s weakness or a lack of coping skills.

Burnout does not affect all groups equally. Women, for example, report higher levels of both personal and work-related burnout than men, particularly in mid-career. This could reflect women taking on more of a family’s caring responsibilities as well as expectations about availability and emotional labour.

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The COVID pandemic intensified these dynamics. Many mid-career professionals had to juggle work and family responsibilities at the same time as their social interactions were curtailed and their workloads and working hours stretched. Since the height of the pandemic, all sectors and roles have seen increases in burnout rates, with health and social care organisations being hit particularly hard.

Absorbing the pressure

Stress and burnout come at a cost to employers through lost working days, absenteeism and “leavism” (people working while on leave). Mid-career professionals are especially exposed because they are often expected to absorb pressure without showing strain. This could be, for instance, leading a team through organisational change at the same time as meeting their own performance targets and supporting junior colleagues.

In many organisations, chronic overload and constant busyness are normalised and even rewarded. Permanent availability becomes a marker of competence rather than a warning sign.

Despite this, there remains an assumption that mid-career professionals are inherently resilient. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can make them less resilient. Experience does not necessarily protect against burnout; in many cases it just conceals it.

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Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and anxiety are frequently minimised or ignored until stress reaches a breaking point. Those known for their ability to “power through” often suppress warning signs to maintain a professional identity. These workers often delay asking for help, in part because things commonly associated with burnout (long hours, constant responsiveness and chronic overwork, for example) are often normalised.

While short-term stress can sometimes enhance performance, so-called “good stress” sits close to a tipping point. When pressure becomes chronic and recovery time is limited or absent, stress becomes a direct pathway to burnout.

My research looking at line managers’ development highlights these risks. Middle leaders and mid-career professionals were consistently described as overloaded and under-trained for their management responsibilities. Many had entered leadership roles with little or no formal preparation, and had to learn how to manage people on the job.

Promotions often brought significant increases in responsibility without corresponding investment in training. And where there were opportunities for development, they were frequently ad hoc and inconsistent. This combination fuelled anxiety and self-doubt – well-established precursors to burnout.

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Being under-prepared for taking on management duties can fuel the risk of burnout.
fizkes/Shutterstock

As part of the project, we interviewed more than 150 line managers from both the public and private sectors. Our findings strongly suggest that burnout is shaped by workplace systems, norms and expectations. Organisational practices and processes, along with culture and leadership patterns, play an important role. Unrealistic targets, excessive monitoring and a culture of long hours amplify stress. And leadership practices that prioritise constant performance pressure actively increase burnout risk.

Work climate matters more than hours alone – risk factors include bullying, sexual harassment and toxic leadership styles. Notably, burnout is closely linked to engagement from leaders, or the absence of it. For example, one study found that mid-career professionals, particularly women, suffer burnout when their effort goes unrecognised by managers.

Leaders who listen, acknowledge effort and offer recognition can significantly reduce the risk of burnout. Essentially, feeling that your work matters and is valued makes a measurable difference.

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Leaders can design work for sustainability rather than endurance. This includes making sure workloads and targets are realistic, as well as stamping out cultures where constant availability is prized.

Mid-career leadership roles must be properly supported, and workers should be given protected time for training and development rather than being expected to learn through trial and error. Their managers should try to create a safe environment – listening seriously, responding early to concerns and intervening before stress escalates into burnout.

Finally, strong team working and a sense of community at work provide meaning that buffers against burnout. In mid-career, when pressures converge from multiple directions, connection is not a luxury but a necessity. The importance of joy at work is often overlooked. Opportunities to create meaning, connection and enjoyment are not indulgent extras; they protect against chronic stress and burnout.

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Olympian Sturla Holm Laegreid admits to cheating on girlfriend after medal win | World News

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Sturla Holm Laegreid wipes away tears with a soft toy. Pic: Reuters

Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed in a live television interview to cheating on his girlfriend, moments after winning a bronze medal.

Laegreid finished in third place in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, and then broke down in tears at the Winter Olympics on Tuesday.

The Norwegian told fans he already “had a gold medal” up until last week – but squandered it by being unfaithful.

Speaking to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK in his native language, just moments after finishing his biathlon, he said: “There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today.

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“Six months ago, I met the ​love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest ​person in the world.

“Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her. I told her about it a week ago. It’s ‌been the worst week of my life.”

Image:
Laegreid’s team comfort him after the race. Pic: Associated Press

Teammate Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold wipes tears from his face. Pic: Associated Press
Image:
Teammate Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold wipes tears from his face. Pic: Associated Press

The 28-year-old then issued a heartfelt plea but stopped short of naming the woman.

More on Winter Olympics 2026

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“I had a gold medal in my life, and there are probably many who look ​at me with different eyes, but I only have eyes for her,” he added. “Sport has taken a slightly different place [in my life] the last few days. I wish I could share it with her.”

Read more from Sky News:
Lindsey Vonn reveals extent of injuries
Winter Olympics hit by penis enhancement controversy

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Laegreid's spirits didn't appear to pick up when he was up on the podium. Pic: Associated Press
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Laegreid’s spirits didn’t appear to pick up when he was up on the podium. Pic: Associated Press

Laegreid later said he might not have been in the right state of mind to give the interview after the race, which came in the wake of the death of his teammate, Sivert ‍Guttorm Bakken, in December last year.

“Maybe it was really selfish of me to give that interview,” he said a few hours later. “So yeah, I ​don’t know. I was, I’m a bit, I don’t know… I’m not really here mentally.

“So yeah, we will see what happens.”

Laegreid in action in the biathlon. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Laegreid in action in the biathlon. Pic: Reuters

Laegreid was beaten by silver medalist Eric Perrot, from France, and gold medalist Johan-Olav Botn, from Norway. Pic: Associated Press
Image:
Laegreid was beaten by silver medalist Eric Perrot, from France, and gold medalist Johan-Olav Botn, from Norway. Pic: Associated Press

Laegreid came third in the men’s Olympic 20km individual biathlon race in northern Italy. His fellow Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn took gold while France’s Eric Perrot claimed the silver.

The race came as US skier Lindsey Vonn confirmed she will need “multiple surgeries” following her crash in the women’s downhill skiing final on Sunday.

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