Signs of Burnout and How Therapy Can Help You Recover

Harlene Kundhal
Aug 8
2 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, burnout is becoming more common - and more overlooked. You might tell yourself to “just push through” or assume that exhaustion is simply part of being an adult. But burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a deeper kind of depletion - mental, emotional, and physical - that deserves care and attention.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone. And therapy can help you recover.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that affects your ability to function in daily life. It often develops over time, especially in high-pressure roles like caregiving, healthcare, teaching, social work, parenting, and frontline work. But anyone can experience burnout, even if things look “fine” on the outside.

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

You might be experiencing burnout if you notice:

Constant fatigue, even after sleeping
Irritability or emotional numbness
Lack of motivation or joy, especially in things you used to enjoy
Feeling detached from work, people, or responsibilities
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues
Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble concentrating
Increased use of substances (alcohol, cannabis, caffeine) to cope
Withdrawing from social contact or avoiding responsibilities

Many people with burnout also feel guilt or shame for not “doing more,” which only deepens the cycle.

What Causes Burnout?

Burnout is often caused by:

Long-term stress or overwork without adequate rest
Emotional labour (constantly supporting others while neglecting yourself)
Lack of control or support in your environment
Perfectionism or pressure to always be productive
Trauma or caregiving fatigue (including for therapists, nurses, and first responders)

How Therapy Can Help with Burnout

Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and recover. A skilled therapist can help you:

Identify the root causes of your burnout (not just the symptoms)
Rebuild boundaries with work, family, or self-expectations
Process guilt, anger, or resentment that’s been bottled up
Reconnect with your values so your life feels more aligned
Develop self-compassion and learn to rest without shame
Create sustainable habits for energy, joy, and emotional regulation

Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re burned out until we stop, and therapy gives you that place to stop and breathe.

You Deserve to Heal, Not Just Cope

At Rise and Recover Therapy, we offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for those who are overwhelmed, burned out, and unsure of where to start. Whether you're a caregiver, a first responder, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, therapy can help you come back to yourself.

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to ask for support. If you're noticing signs of burnout, it’s okay to reach out now.

Book a Free Consultation

We offer virtual psychotherapy sessions across Ontario, with specialties in addiction, trauma, grief, and burnout. Visit riseandrecovertherapy.com or email us at riseandrecovertherapy@gmail.com to get started.