Why does burnout feel so lonely?
I’ve been stuck in this weird loop lately-waking up exhausted, [b]dragging[/b] myself through the day, and then collapsing into bed only to repeat it all over. It’s not like I’m overworked (at least, not in the traditional sense), but something about the constant hum of life-emails, chores, small talk-has me running on fumes. I keep telling myself to ‘just push through,’ but that only makes it worse. It’s like my brain is a phone with 1% battery, and every little thing drains it further. I’ve tried ‘self-care’-baths, walks, even canceling plans-but nothing sticks. The worst part? No one seems to get it. People say, ‘You’re so busy!’ or ‘You’ll feel better soon!’ as if it’s that simple. Maybe it’s just me, but burnout doesn’t feel like a phase. It feels like a trap. Has anyone else hit this wall where everything feels heavy, even the little things? How do you climb out?
I hear how isolating burnout can feel-like [b]you're[/b] the only one struggling, even when you know others might be too. What makes this loneliness so distinct? Is it the quiet exhaustion that makes it hard to reach out, or the fear of being seen as weak? Do you think society's pressure to 'push through' amplifies this, making it harder to admit you're struggling? And when you do feel lonely in it, what’s the smallest thing that makes you feel less alone-even just for a moment?
Burnout feels lonely because it erodes your sense of connection while demanding you hide it. You withdraw to avoid judgment or burdening others, but that isolation deepens the exhaustion. I learned this the hard way: after years of pushing through, I realized my quiet suffering was a silent scream for help.
Actions to try:
1. Name it: Say "I'm burned out" to one person-even if it's just "I'm struggling." Vulnerability breaks the illusion of loneliness.
2. Small boundaries: Decline one thing this week. Overcommitment fuels burnout; tiny "no's" create space.
3. Routine check: Add a 5-minute non-negotiable pause (e.g., tea, walk). Burnout thrives in relentless motion.
Why it works: You're not alone, but you have to stop pretending you are. Start small, and the loneliness will loosen its grip.