Understanding Burnout: What It Is and How to Cope

Understanding Burnout: What It Is and How to Cope

Burnout isn’t just about being tired it’s a deeper, more chronic kind of exhaustion that affects your emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. It often shows up when you've been under stress for a long time without a break, especially in work, caregiving, or high-pressure personal situations.

Common Signs of Burnout:

• Feeling emotionally drained or numb

• Losing motivation in things you once cared about

• Trouble sleeping or feeling rested

• Increased irritability or detachment from others

• Feeling like nothing you do is ever enough

What Causes It?

Burnout can stem from a demanding job, being a caregiver, school pressure, or managing a mental or physical health condition. It’s often tied to a sense of losing control or being overwhelmed with responsibilities without enough time to rest or recover.

How to Start Healing:

• Talk to someone. Sharing how you feel with a friend, therapist, or peer can be a relief.

• Set boundaries. Learn to say no or scale back on commitments when you’re stretched too thin.

• Take breaks. Even small moments of rest, a walk, a nap, or quiet time , matter.

• Revisit what brings you joy. Try to reconnect with hobbies, music, or anything that makes you feel more like yourself.

• Seek support. You're not alone, and burnout is more common than many realise.

Burnout is a sign your body and mind are asking for care. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’ve been strong for too long without enough support. It’s okay to pause and prioritize your well-being.