Burnout

Burnout can feel like running on empty, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It often builds slowly over time, as the demands of work, caregiving, or simply keeping up with daily life begin to outweigh your capacity to cope. At first, you might dismiss the signs as “just stress,” but over time, burnout can leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to function the way you used to.

Unlike ordinary stress, burnout isn’t just about having too much to do, it’s about the exhaustion that comes when you feel like there’s nothing left to give. You may feel depleted no matter how much rest you get, or like you're constantly pushing through while feeling resentful, detached, or overwhelmed.

You might be asking yourself, “Why can’t I keep up anymore?” or feeling guilt for not being able to meet expectations, your own or others’. It can feel like you've lost your spark, your motivation, or even your sense of purpose.

Burnout can show up in many ways, such as:

• Emotional exhaustion and feeling chronically overwhelmed
• Irritability or increased sensitivity to stress
• Feeling disconnected or indifferent toward things you used to care about
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
• Physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or stomach issues
• Feeling unappreciated, unseen, or stuck in “survival mode”
• Questioning your worth or purpose

If you’ve been coping by pushing through, numbing out, people-pleasing, or telling yourself you just need to “try harder”, you’re not alone. Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s a signal that your nervous system and emotional reserves need care, not criticism.