How to Know If You’re Experiencing Burnout (And What to Do About It)

There’s a quiet way burnout creeps in. One day, you’re managing work, family, and life with some semblance of ease. The next, the simplest tasks feel heavy, conversations drain you, and you wonder why even getting out of bed feels like a challenge.

Burnout isn’t laziness, and it isn’t just being tired. It’s a signal from your mind and body that something has been stretched too thin for too long. And acknowledging it isn’t a weakness, it’s the first brave step toward reclaiming your energy and clarity.

Signs You Might Be Burned Out

Burnout manifests in subtle and obvious ways:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, irritable, or numb most days

• Cognitive fatigue: Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things

• Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomach issues, tension in your body

• Behavioral changes: Avoiding work, withdrawing from friends or family, losing motivation

Sometimes it shows up as a “fog” - a dull, persistent sense that nothing is enough, no matter how hard you try.

Common Causes

Burnout isn’t random. It often stems from:

• Chronic workplace stress or high demands

• Caregiving responsibilities that leave little personal time

• Perfectionism or unrealistic expectations for yourself

• Trauma or unresolved emotional challenges

Understanding what contributes to your burnout helps in crafting a plan that truly works.

Why It’s Important to Address Early

Ignoring burnout doesn’t make it go away, it intensifies, affecting your relationships, mental health, and even physical well-being. Early intervention can restore balance before exhaustion turns into anxiety, depression, or deeper health concerns.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

Even small, intentional changes matter:

1. Set boundaries - learn to say no without guilt

2. Prioritize rest - sleep and downtime are non-negotiable

3. Practice self-compassion - acknowledge your limits without judgment

4. Move your body - even gentle walks or stretching release tension

5. Reach out for support - talk to friends, family, or a therapist

   
   

How Therapy Can Help

Burnout often masks deeper issues: stress patterns, self-doubt, unresolved trauma. In therapy, we can:

• Identify triggers and patterns contributing to burnout

• Develop strategies for sustainable work-life balance

• Practice coping tools that bring calm, clarity, and control

Therapy is not just about talking; it’s about creating space to reset, reflect, and reclaim your energy.

Your First Step Toward Relief

Feeling burned out doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means your mind and body are asking for attention. Therapy can be a safe place to explore those feelings, develop actionable strategies, and find the clarity you need to move forward.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward feeling lighter, more focused, and more like yourself again.