Burnout: The Silent Drain You Shouldn’t Ignore

Burnout. It’s a word we hear often, especially in fast-paced, high-demand environments where expectations keep growing but support systems don't. But what is burnout, really? And how do we know when we’re not just “tired” but actually experiencing something more serious?

I like to describe burnout using the 3 W’s: Weariness, Withdrawal, and Worry.

Weariness is more than feeling sleepy. It’s a deep, bone-level exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. You wake up tired. You push through the day on autopilot, emotionally flat or irritable. Your usual passion or energy is just… gone.

Withdrawal shows up when you slowly start pulling away from people and things you usually enjoy. Social events feel overwhelming. Work feels meaningless. Even a quick catch-up with a friend can feel like too much. It’s a retreat from the world—not to rest, but to survive.

Worry becomes a constant background hum. You might not notice it at first, but it’s there—racing thoughts, a nagging sense of not doing enough, or fear that something will go wrong. Your body is always on high alert, even when there’s no obvious threat.

Burnout is not the same as depression. One key difference? Burnout doesn’t usually come with suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm. It’s more about depletion than despair.

Step one if you suspect burnout? See your doctor.

Many physical conditions mimic burnout: low iron, a vitamin B12 or D deficiency, thyroid issues, even fluctuating blood sugar. It's vital to rule these out. Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, and assess any other symptoms.

Burnout often grows in silence, especially in caregivers, community leaders, and those who “always show up.” But let me remind you: constantly running on empty isn’t noble. It’s dangerous.

Recovery is possible—and it starts with acknowledging you need support and making contact with a talk therapist.