Stress and Burnout

Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion is a sense of inner fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep or time off. You might feel like you're constantly “on,” even when you're technically not working or doing anything strenuous. It can feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day, with little capacity left for connection, creativity, or joy.

Irritability or Detachment

When you're experiencing chronic stress or burn out, your nervous system is often in a heightened state, making you more reactive to even minor frustrations. You might snap at loved ones, feel impatient in situations that never used to bother you and in general withdraw emotionally and physically from the world around you. Over time, this detachment can create a sense of loneliness or guilt, reinforcing the belief that something is wrong with you. But in truth, these are protective responses and ways your system tries to cope when it’s been overwhelmed for too long.

Self Doubt

Chronic stress can erode your confidence and make it hard to recognize your own efforts or successes. Even when you’re doing your best, it may feel like it’s never enough—or like you're constantly falling short. You might struggle to focus, procrastinate, or lose motivation, which only fuels more self-criticism. This ongoing loop of pressure and perceived failure can distort your self-perception, leaving you feeling inadequate and that you’re never “doing enough.” Often, people experiencing this kind of self-doubt are actually working incredibly hard—but are too overwhelmed and unsupported to recognize it. They're caught in systems of power like capitalism, ableism, and white supremacy culture that reward over-functioning and keep people stuck in a relentless cycle of hustling.

Pain and Physical Symptoms in the Body

Burnout doesn’t just affect your mind—it lives in your body. You might notice persistent tension headaches, digestive issues, disrupted sleep, or chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Your immune system may feel compromised, leading to more frequent colds or flare-ups of existing conditions. These symptoms are often your body’s way of waving a red flag, trying to alert you to deeper emotional or systemic overwhelm. In a culture that encourages pushing through pain and minimizing our needs, it's easy to ignore or normalize these signals. But honoring the physical impact of stress is a vital step in reclaiming rest, balance, and a deeper sense of well-being.