Quiet Burnout: Identifying the Signs, Understanding the Costs and Making Space for You

You wake up tired. Not the kind of tired that a good night’s sleep fixes — but the kind that lives in your bones. You get through the day, you show up, you tick things off. And yet, something inside feels… off. Dull. Heavy.

This is a story I see so often — not just in the therapy room, but among friends, colleagues, even myself.

It’s not a dramatic collapse. It’s not the loud burnout that forces a break.

It’s a quiet burnout, the kind that’s easier to ignore — until it isn't.

The Subtle Signs We Often Miss

Identifying quiet burnout isn’t always easy. It doesn’t scream for help. It whispers.

You might notice:

• You’re constantly tired, even after rest.

• The things you used to enjoy feel like chores.

• You're irritable, zoning out, or feeling numb more often than not.

• You keep pushing through because you "should" — but it’s costing you more and more.

• The thought of even taking a break feels like another task to manage.

And because it doesn’t look like a crisis, we tell ourselves it’s fine. We convince ourselves this is normal. That everyone feels this way. That it’s just part of working life.

But what if it doesn’t have to be?

The Cost of Staying on Autopilot

When we ignore our quiet burnout, we end up withdrawing from the things that nourish us.

When we are constantly on autopilot, our relationships, creativity, and sense of self slowly dim. It becomes harder to access joy or clarity.

We may even start questioning our worth — not because we're doing anything wrong, but because we're stretched too thin for too long.

You deserve more than survival mode.

You deserve space to feel what’s coming up for you — and to be held in it.

Making Space for Yourself

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But sometimes the shift begins with simply noticing.

Noticing how you’re really doing.

Noticing what your body and mind are trying to say.

Noticing the part of you that’s craving rest, connection, or just a moment of pause.

And from that noticing… choosing to take up space. Even a small one.

This is why we are holding a gentle, supportive group for folks navigating work-related stress and burnout. It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about offering a space to breathe, be seen, and be supported by others who get it.

If something in this resonates — if you’re nodding along or feeling a quiet “yes” somewhere inside — this space might be for you.

You can reach out to know more or register here. No pressure, no expectations.

Just an invitation to step out of survival mode, one breath at a time.