Final answer:
The first stage of burnout is exhaustion, where individuals feel psychologically drained and overwhelmed, often occurring in high-stress professions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first stage of burnout is known as exhaustion. In this initial phase, individuals may feel that their emotional resources are drained, leading to a sensation that they have nothing left to offer at a psychological level. This can introduce feelings of being overwhelmed and tired due to the persistent stress and high demands encountered in their work environment. Burnout is particularly common among professions that involve intense human interaction, such as social workers and teachers. It is important to recognize this stage early to prevent the progression to further stages of burnout, which include depersonalization and diminished personal accomplishment.