Burnout: or how functioning isn’t the same as being well
Burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing or not being able to get out of bed. Sometimes it looks like still showing up, doing the work, seeing your friends, answering the messages or smiling in meetings.
And then, one day, it starts feeling like all you want to do is lie on the floor and cry. Or noticing a constant knot in your stomach, nausea that won’t quite go away no matter how much ginger and lime you consume, and a deep exhaustion that sleep can’t fix.
This article is for you if you’ve been wondering:
“Am I burned out, or just stressed?”
“Why am I so tired and somehow still functioning?”
“Can burnout be healed, or is this just who I am now?”
We’ll walk through burnout symptoms, what burnout actually feels like, the difference between burnout, stress, and depression, how recovery works, and how burnout can be prevented, especially if you’re dealing with high‑functioning burnout. I’ll also share parts of my own story, because burnout is something I lived with for years before I could name it.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of prolonged physical, emotional, and nervous‑system exhaustion caused by long‑term stress without adequate recovery.
Unlike acute stress, burnout doesn’t come from one intense period. It builds slowly, quietly and often invisibly, without you or others noticing it creep in.
First time hearing about burnout was when I moved to the Netherlands. People were describing it as a state of intense exhaustion, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, emotional overwhelm and just generally a state of not being able to do much, or for some, anything at all. So, for a long time, I didn’t think I could be burned out. I was still working, still joining meetings and meeting goals. I was still active physically and seeing my friends. I was capable, still “doing okay” from the outside. But inside, my system was depleted and I wasn’t able to recognise that. Being burned out doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s means you were coping for too long without support.
What are burnout symptoms?
Burnout affects your whole system, not just your energy level. Some of the most common symptoms are indeed related to energy, but there is more than that.
General burnout symptoms
Persistent exhaustion that rest doesn’t fix
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from yourself
Cynicism, irritability, or loss of meaning
Brain fog, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
Physical burnout symptoms
Chronic fatigue
Digestive issues or nausea
Headaches, muscle tension, or body aches
Sleep disturbances
Frequent illness or slow recovery
If I would have been looking at this list some years ago, I would have probably checked every item on it. And yet, I felt that as long as I was able to do my job and live my life, it couldn’t be burnout. It was only when I felt like lying on the floor and crying, when I felt like I was about to throw up every day, when I couldn’t push through anymore, that I finally accepted something was really going on.
What does burnout feel like?
Burnout can feel like crying and throwing up, but doesn’t always have to feel dramatic. In fact, at first, it’s not dramatic at all. It can just feel like:
Everything takes more effort than it should
You’re running on obligation rather than desire
Rest feels stressful or pointless
You’re detached from things you used to care about
Many people describe burnout as feeling flat, empty, or disconnected from themselves. This is especially true in high‑functioning burnout, where you’re still performing but slowly distancing yourself from joy, creativity, and ease.
High‑functioning burnout
High‑functioning burnout is one of the hardest forms to recognise, both for others and for yourself. You might:
Be competent, reliable, and responsible
Get positive feedback while feeling internally depleted
Struggle to justify rest because “nothing is technically wrong”
This was my experience for years. I kept going because I could. And because I didn’t feel like I had permission to stop. High‑functioning burnout often comes with strong inner pressure, perfectionism, or a sense of responsibility for everything and everyone. And the reason for this is different for everyone; for some it’s their cultural background, for others their family environment. Regardless of the origin, recognising high-functioning burnout is one of the most difficult tasks for everyone, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Burnout vs stress vs depression
If you’re here, there were probably times when you wondered what is the difference between these states, if they all feel more or less the same. And the thing is that some of their symptoms can overlap, but they’re not the same.
Burnout vs stress
Stress is often about too much pressure
Burnout is about not enough recovery
With stress, rest usually helps. With burnout, rest alone often isn’t enough because the nervous system no longer knows how to switch off.
Burnout vs depression
Depression often affects all areas of life, including self‑worth
Burnout is usually context‑related (work, caregiving, long‑term strain)
That said, chronic stress can lead to burnout, and burnout can lead to depression, if left unaddressed. If you’re unsure, that uncertainty itself is a good reason to talk to someone.
Can you heal burnout?
Yes, but healing burnout is not about “bouncing back.” Burnout recovery is less about returning to who you were before, and more about learning to live differently.
What helped me wasn’t pushing harder or finding better productivity systems, as much as I wanted for that to be the solution. What actually helped was slowing down, like actually slowing down, and paying attention to my body.
Healing burnout often involves:
Nervous‑system regulation
Redefining boundaries and expectations
Reconnecting with your body’s signals
Letting go of constant self‑pressure
It’s a process. And it’s not linear.
How to deal with burnout
If you’re burned out, your system needs safety before solutions.
Helpful first steps can include:
Reducing non‑essential demands where possible
Creating regular moments of true rest (not just collapse)
Choosing slow, gentle movement over intensity
Talking about what you’re carrying instead of holding it all in
Burnout is one of those challenges that isn’t fixed by doing more, but less.
Burnout prevention: listening earlier
To prevent burnout, you don’t have to avoid effort altogether. You just need to notice signals before your body has to shout.
Early signs might include:
Irritability
Ongoing fatigue
Loss of enthusiasm
Physical tension or digestive issues
Prevention starts with taking these signals seriously, even when you’re still functioning, or for people like me, especially when you’re still functioning.
When to look for support
You don’t have to wait until you’re at a breaking point. If you recognise yourself in this article, there’s probably something there that needs attention. If you’ve been exhausted for a long time, have mystery pains in your body, or feel emotionally numb, it might be worth looking into it.
If you’d like support exploring this in a safe, body-aware way, you’re welcome to reach out or book a connect call to see if this approach is right for you.
Functioning is not the same as being well. You’re allowed to want more than just getting through the day.
Burnout FAQs
What are early burnout symptoms?
Early burnout symptoms are often subtle and easy to dismiss, especially if you’re still functioning. They can include:
Ongoing tiredness that doesn’t fully go away with rest
Irritability or feeling emotionally on the edge
Loss of enthusiasm or motivation for things that once felt meaningful
Difficulty concentrating or increased mental fog
Physical signals such as tension, headaches, digestive issues, or nausea
Early burnout often feels like something is off, rather than something being clearly wrong. Paying attention at this stage can prevent deeper exhaustion later on.
How long does burnout recovery take?
Burnout recovery doesn’t follow a fixed timeline. For some people, relief begins within a few months once demands are reduced and support is in place. For others, especially after long-term or high-functioning burnout, recovery can take longer.
What matters more than speed is how recovery happens. Burnout heals through sustained nervous-system safety, realistic boundaries, and learning to respond differently to pressure, not through pushing yourself to “get better” quickly.
How to prevent burnout?
Burnout prevention isn’t about avoiding effort or responsibility. It’s about noticing stress signals early and responding before exhaustion sets in.
Helpful prevention practices include:
Taking physical and emotional fatigue seriously
Allowing regular and proper recovery, not just occasional breaks
Reducing internal pressure and unrealistic expectations
Staying connected to your body’s signals, not ignoring them
Prevention often means listening sooner, before your body has to force you to stop.