How to Know If You’re Experiencing Burnout (and When to See a Therapist)
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been pushing yourself hard for a long time—balancing a demanding career, relationships, and responsibilities that never seem to pause. You may be used to being the person others rely on, the one who finds a way to “make it work.” But lately, something feels different.
You’re tired, not just physically, but in a deeper way. The strategies that once fueled your success—discipline, resilience, grit—don’t seem to be enough anymore. This could be more than stress. It might be burnout.
As a therapist who specializes in working with high-functioning professionals and individuals who are used to excelling, I often hear a quiet fear from clients: “What if I can’t keep this up?” If that thought has crossed your mind, it’s worth paying attention.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout goes beyond being stressed or tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often in high-demand environments. Unlike regular fatigue, burnout leaves you feeling detached, depleted, and unable to bounce back with your usual tools.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Burnout
You might be experiencing burnout if you notice:
Exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest. Even vacations or weekends aren’t enough to recharge you.
A loss of motivation. Tasks you used to approach with energy now feel draining or meaningless.
Irritability or cynicism. You may notice yourself snapping at others, feeling less patient, or more negative than usual.
Difficulty concentrating. Even simple decisions or tasks feel overwhelming.
Disconnection. You may withdraw from relationships or feel emotionally numb.
Physical symptoms. Headaches, muscle tension, disrupted sleep, or an increase in health issues.
If these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. Burnout is a signal, not a flaw.
Why High-Functioning People Miss the Signs
Many of my clients are leaders, entrepreneurs, or professionals who are used to managing high levels of responsibility. They often don’t notice burnout until it becomes overwhelming because they’ve trained themselves to “push through.”
But ignoring burnout comes at a cost. Over time, it can erode your health, relationships, and sense of self. Recognizing it early allows for meaningful change and renewal.
When to See a Therapist
Consider reaching out for support if:
You’ve tried your usual strategies (time off, exercise, routines) and they’re no longer working.
You feel stuck in patterns of exhaustion or negativity that you can’t shift alone.
Burnout is impacting your relationships, productivity, or health.
You’re questioning your purpose or wondering if something deeper needs to change.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find sustainable ways to thrive—not just perform.
What Therapy for Burnout Looks Like
In our work together, we don’t just talk about reducing stress. We explore:
What drives your over-functioning. The inner expectations and pressures that keep you pushing beyond your limits.
How your body signals stress. Learning to tune into somatic cues before exhaustion takes over.
Restoring balance. Creating a relationship with rest, pleasure, and connection that feels nourishing, not indulgent.
Redefining success. Exploring how to align your energy and goals with your deeper values.
Clients often tell me that therapy feels like the one place they don’t have to perform—where they can finally exhale.
Moving Forward
If you recognize yourself in this description, know that you don’t have to wait until you “hit a wall.” Therapy can be a proactive way to prevent burnout from becoming a full collapse.
You’ve invested so much energy into your career and responsibilities. Investing in your well-being ensures you can continue living with the vitality, clarity, and presence you deserve.
If you’re wondering whether therapy could help you, consider this your invitation to pause and listen to what your body and mind have been trying to tell you.
Moving Forward
If you recognize yourself in this description, know that you don’t have to wait until you “hit a wall.” Therapy can be a proactive way to prevent burnout from becoming a full collapse.
You’ve invested so much energy into your career and responsibilities. Investing in your well-being ensures you can continue living with the vitality, clarity, and presence you deserve.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If burnout has been quietly taking over your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer confidential, personalized therapy for high-functioning professionals who are ready to restore balance and reclaim their energy. Sessions are available via secure telehealth, making support accessible from the privacy of your own space. If you’re ready to move beyond survival and back into a life that feels fulfilling, I invite you to reach out for a consultation.
