When overwhelm becomes burnout: Recognising the signs before they take over

We all experience periods of stress, but when stress becomes constant and recovery feels out of reach, it can develop into burnout. Burnout is more than simply feeling tired, it is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can affect every aspect of daily life.

The signs and symptoms

One of the first signs of burnout is persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. Tasks that once felt manageable may suddenly seem overwhelming, concentration becomes difficult, and motivation declines. You may notice increased irritability, emotional numbness, or a sense of detachment from work, relationships, or activities you once enjoyed. Everyday responsibilities such as making decisions, keeping appointments, or completing household tasks can begin to feel impossible.

Overwhelm often narrows our ability to think clearly. When our nervous system remains in a prolonged state of stress, our brain prioritises survival over higher-level thinking, making planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation more difficult. Psychologist Dr. Christina Maslach, a leading researcher on burnout, explains that burnout can be a response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job. While often associated with the workplace, burnout can also result from caregiving, parenting, study, or prolonged life stress (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).

How counselling can help

Counselling provides a supportive space to understand the sources of overwhelm before they become unmanageable. Together, you and your therapist can identify stress patterns, strengthen healthy boundaries, develop practical coping strategies, and reconnect with the things that restore energy and meaning.

Small, intentional changes can make a significant difference over time, and as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk reminds us — being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.

If overwhelm is affecting your daily functioning, reaching out early can help you regain balance, resilience, and a renewed sense of control.

References

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout. In G. Fink (Ed.), Stress: Concepts, Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior (pp. 351–357). Academic Press.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.