Have you ever felt so exhausted that even resting doesn’t help? Like you're constantly running on empty, disconnected from yourself and everything around you?
If yes, you might not be “just tired”,  you might be experiencing burnout!

Burnout is more common than we think. It’s not a weakness. It’s not failure. It’s a message from your mind & body that something needs to change. In this article, we’ll help you understand what burnout is, how to recognize its signs, and what you can start doing today to take care of yourself: because your wellbeing matters.

What Exactly Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It builds up slowly, often going unnoticed until you're deep in it. It can affect anyone: students, professionals, caregivers, parents, and even people going through long periods of emotional tension or uncertainty.

While it’s often associated with work, burnout can come from any overwhelming situation, especially when you feel like you're carrying too much for too long without support.

How Do I Know If I’m Burnt Out?
Burnout doesn’t always look the same for everyone. It can be silent. Subtle. Misleading. But here are some common signs you might recognize:

Emotional Signs:
You feel numb or emotionally drained.
You’ve lost your motivation or joy, even in things you used to enjoy.
You feel stuck, helpless, or hopeless.

Mental Signs:
You’re constantly overwhelmed or find it hard to focus.
You feel detached from your thoughts, people, or surroundings.
You’re more forgetful or indecisive than usual.

Physical Signs:
You're always tired, even after sleeping.
You get frequent headaches, stomach problems, or body aches.
Your sleep patterns are off — either too much or not enough.
If you’re nodding to several of these, you’re not alone — and you're not broken. You're human.

Why We Often Ignore Burnout

Because we’ve been taught to.

Many of us grow up believing that rest equals laziness, that pushing through is strength, and that struggling is something we should hide. We normalize feeling overwhelmed and tell ourselves, "It’s just stress," or "It’ll pass". But burnout isn’t something to push through. It’s a warning sign. And ignoring it often leads to deeper emotional struggles, physical illness, or total shutdown. 
So... What Can You Do About It?

1. Acknowledge it.

The first step is saying it honestly: “I’m not okay.” That doesn’t make you weak — it makes you aware. And awareness is the first step to healing.

2. Set boundaries.

You don’t have to say yes to everything. It’s okay to decline a call, cancel a plan, or delegate a task. Every boundary is a form of self-respect.

3. Take breaks — small ones count.

Even a few minutes a day to disconnect from your phone, step outside, breathe deeply, or simply do nothing can help reset your nervous system.

4. Talk about it.

Burnout grows stronger in silence. Talk to a friend, a loved one, a therapist, or a support group. You deserve to be heard.

5. Get support.

If your symptoms are lasting or affecting your daily life, consider speaking to a mental health professional. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Burnout Is Not the End — It’s a Call for Change

If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost touch with yourself, take a moment. Breathe. You’re allowed to pause. To rest. To ask for help.

Healing from burnout isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing differently.

You’re not falling behind. You’re realigning. And that’s one of the most powerful things you can do.

Remember: You’re Not Alone.

At IDRAAC, we believe mental health is for everyone. No one should have to go through burnout in silence. Let’s create a culture where rest is respected, emotional struggles are acknowledged, and self-care is seen as strength.

If this article resonated with you, share it. You never know who else needs to hear that it’s okay to not be okay.

💬 Need help? Get to know more resources, support tools, and professional mental health services by following us on our social media platforms, or/and contact us today via our hotline: +961 76 100 576.