Burnout: What is it and how can we heal?

Burnout has become a quiet epidemic among young professionals, with many people silently struggling with the constant pressure to perform and “keep up.” Often, burnout doesn’t show up in dramatic ways. It sneaks in slowly, showing up as apathy, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

Do you suffer from late-night anxiety spirals, Sunday dread, a sense of falling short despite working harder than ever? If so, you might be struggling with burnout. It’s real. And it’s more common than you might think.

So what exactly IS burnout? Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, especially related to school, work or caregiving roles. The World Health Organization defines it as an “occupational phenomenon” involving three main characteristics:

Emotional exhaustion – feeling drained, worn out, or like you’re running on empty.

Depersonalization – feeling detached from your work, or increasingly cynical and negative.

Reduced sense of accomplishment – feeling like no matter what you do, it’s not good enough.

Burnout can also look like constantly second-guessing your competence or decisions, losing motivation and interest in things (even in your personal life), and feeling isolated around colleagues or friends.

How can we combat these feelings? First things first, it’s important to know this: struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing or don’t belong at your job. It means you’re human. It also means that something needs to change. Maybe not in your schedule, but in how you take care of yourself inside and outside of work.

Burnout thrives in isolation and silence, and one way to begin healing is by finding community, practicing reflection and self-care, and allowing yourself to slow down. You don’t need to push through it alone! And you don’t need to have it all figured out before you reach out for support.

Beacon Counseling is now offering a Counseling Group for Young Professionals, called The Recovery Room, for those who are feeling burned out, stuck, or caught in the loop of imposter syndrome. This group is a space to:

• Be seen and heard in a nonjudgmental setting
• Understand the roots of burnout and self-doubt
• Learn practical strategies to set boundaries, manage stress, and gain confidence
• Hear from others who are in the same boat

For more information, call or text (414) 539-2959, or email us at info@beaconcounselingwi.com.