What are 5 Signs You're Experiencing Burnout (Not Just Stress)?
Stress is a response. Burnout is a collapse. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and trauma-informed coach, I’ve supported high-achieving women who’ve spent years performing strength while quietly bracing for impact. Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic—it often looks like “functioning” while feeling emotionally absent. Here are five signs that what you’re experiencing isn’t just stress—it’s burnout.
1. You’re Exhausted—Even After Rest
Sleep doesn’t help. Weekends don’t help. Vacations leave you just as depleted. This isn’t about being tired—it’s about emotional and nervous system fatigue. Your body isn’t just asking for rest—it’s asking for regulation.
2. You Feel Numb or Detached
You’re going through the motions, but you don’t feel present. Wins don’t feel like wins. Conversations feel distant. You’re not sad—you’re disconnected. This emotional flatness is a hallmark of burnout.
3. Small Tasks Feel Overwhelming
The email. The laundry. The decision about dinner. Everything feels like too much, even things you used to handle with ease. This isn’t laziness—it’s cognitive overload. Your system is maxed out.
4. You’re Irritable or Emotionally Reactive
You snap at small things. You cry unexpectedly. You feel like you’re always on edge. This isn’t poor emotional control—it’s a dysregulated nervous system trying to protect you from more input.
5. You’re Questioning Your Worth or Identity
You wonder: Who am I without this role? Why can’t I handle this anymore? Burnout often erodes your sense of self. You’re not broken—you’re bracing. And your body is asking for a return to truth.
Key Takeaways
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Burnout is chronic depletion—not just temporary stress
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It shows up as exhaustion, numbness, overwhelm, irritability, and identity erosion
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High-achieving women are especially vulnerable due to cultural conditioning and chronic self-neglect
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Recognizing burnout is the first step toward emotional regulation and recovery
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Trauma-informed coaching and somatic care can help you move from bracing to breathing
Author: Jasmine McLeod, LCPC, NCC, RYT-200 Founder of Beecoming and Bee You Counseling & Wellness Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Yoga Instructor, Breathwork Practitioner I help high-achieving women move from survival to sovereignty through trauma-informed care, poetic clarity, and legacy-rich transformation
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
