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7 Subtle Signs You’re Burned Out
(And How Therapy Can Help You Recover)
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Struggling with Burnout?
Burnout isn’t just ‘being tired.’ It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that creeps in silently—often disguised as ‘hustle’ or ‘dedication.’ If you’ve been feeling cynical, drained, or detached from work (or life), you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, burnout costs the global economy$1 trillion annually in lost productivity. But the real cost is personal: relationships, joy, and health. -
Guide to wellness & emotional regulation
In this post, we’ll uncover the
7 subtle signs of burnout most people ignore, explain why ‘self-care weekends’ aren’t enough to fix it, and share how therapy provides tools to heal and prevent relapse.
7 Subtle Signs of Burnout
Chronic Exhaustion That Sleep Can’t Fix
You wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep. You scroll mindlessly instead of enjoying hobbies. You snap at loved ones over minor things. Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s a slow erosion of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Yet many dismiss it as “just stress” until it’s too late.
In this post, we’ll uncover the
You’re Exhausted—But Can’t “Turn Off”
You sleep 8+ hours but still feel drained.
Rest feels impossible, even on weekends.
Example: “I’m in bed by 9 PM but lie awake worrying about tomorrow’s tasks.”
Cynicism Has Become Your Default
You mock things you once cared about (work, hobbies, relationships).
Sarcasm masks growing resentment.
Example: “I used to love my job—now I roll my eyes at every meeting.”
Your Brain Feels Like Static
Forgetfulness: Missing deadlines, losing keys, blanking mid-conversation.
Tasks that took 10 minutes now take an hour.
Example: “I read the same email three times and still don’t absorb it.”
Small Annoyances Feel Like Crises
Overreacting to minor inconveniences (e.g., traffic, a spilled coffee).
Irritability strains relationships.
Example: “I yelled at my partner for loading the dishwasher ‘wrong.’”
You Feel Numb or Detached
Joy feels out of reach, even during “happy” moments.
Isolation replaces socializing.
Example: “I skipped my best friend’s birthday party just to sit alone.”
Your Body Sends SOS Signals
Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension.
Frequent colds or infections (chronic stress weakens immunity).
Example: “My neck pain won’t go away, but my doctor says I’m ‘healthy.’”
Guilt Follows Every Break
Relaxation feels “lazy” or unproductive.
You work through lunch, skip vacations, or answer emails at 2 AM.
Example: “I took a sick day but spent it answering Slack messages.”
“Why Can’t I Just Fix This Myself?”
Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s your body and mind screaming for change. While bubble baths and “mindfulness apps” might help temporarily, burnout runs deeper. Counseling addresses the root causes:
Boundary-setting to protect your energy.Stress resilience tools tailored to your life.Reconnecting with values to rediscover purpose.
Take the First Step Today
Talk to a
→ Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your burnout recovery plan.
FAQs About Burnout Therapy
Q: How long does burnout recovery take?
Most clients notice progress in 6-8 sessions, but healing is personal.
Q: Can therapy help prevent future burnout?
Yes! You’ll learn lifelong tools to spot warning signs early.
Q: Is burnout a medical diagnosis?
While not a standalone diagnosis, therapists treat its mental health impacts (anxiety, depression, etc.).
Final Thought
Burnout doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” If 2-3 of these signs hit home, it’s time to prioritize you. You deserve more than survival mode.
CTA:
book a consultation—to start your journey back to balance.
Burnout THerapists
Interested in EMDR therapy. Contact our current EMDR Counsellors below.
