Understanding Burnout: A Path to Recovery
- Gali Goodman
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 10
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of chronic stress that can lead to:
Constant exhaustion, even after sleep
Feeling numb, detached, or cynical
Trouble concentrating or staying motivated
Increased anxiety, sadness, or irritability
A loss of joy in things you used to love
It often shows up when we’ve been pushing too hard for too long, whether at work, in motherhood, in caregiving, or simply from trying to hold everything together.
The Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Recognizing burnout is the first step toward recovery. Here are several signs to watch for:
Physical Symptoms: You might experience fatigue, headaches, or even digestive issues.
Emotional Changes: Feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and even anger can arise.
Behavioral Changes: You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities or becoming easily irritated by others.
Understanding these signs can help you identify when your emotional and mental health need attention.
Why Burnout Hits Women So Hard
Women are often socialized to be caregivers, achievers, and emotional managers for others. Add in cultural or religious expectations, perfectionism, or a deep fear of letting people down, and the emotional load becomes unsustainable.
Many women I see in therapy have been silently struggling. They do “everything right” on the outside while falling apart inside. It’s important to acknowledge this burden and address it.
The Weight of Expectations
Expectations can be suffocating. Women, in particular, face pressures to excel at work, thrive in parenthood, and maintain a flawless home. Over time, this can lead to severe burnout.
Strategies for Balancing Your Life
Learning to balance your responsibilities is essential. Here are some strategies:
Prioritize Self-Care: Allocate time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or enjoying time with friends.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from loved ones or professionals.
Set Realistic Goals: It’s okay to lower your expectations. Focus on what’s essential.
How Therapy Can Help You Recover
Healing from burnout isn’t about bubble baths or quitting your job (though sometimes those help!). It’s about learning how to:
Reconnect to your own needs, limits, and voice
Set boundaries without guilt
Recognize and release patterns of people-pleasing or over-functioning
Process the emotions underneath the exhaustion
Reclaim rest, joy, and agency in your life
Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and begin rebuilding from a place of self-trust and compassion.
The Journey to Recovery
Recovering from burnout is a journey. It requires patience and commitment. Here are steps that can help guide you:
Self-Reflection: Spend time understanding your feelings and triggers.
Journaling: Write down your experiences and emotions. This can provide clarity.
Mindfulness Practices: Consider activities like meditation or yoga to help you reconnect with your body and mind.
You Deserve Support
If you’re feeling burned out, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’ve been doing too much, often for too long, without enough support. Therapy can be the beginning of something different.
It's crucial to embrace self-care and prioritize your well-being. Remember, it's okay to take a step back and ask for help.
Taking the Next Step
If you identify with these feelings of burnout, consider reaching out for professional support. Whether it's therapy, support groups, or other resources, you don't have to navigate this alone.
Reclaim your joy and energy—it's within your reach. You deserve to thrive, not just survive.
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