Part 3: Tired All the Time? 9 Subtle Signs You’re Headed for Burnout

Burnout rarely hits all at once.
It creeps in through the cracks—until you're running on fumes and calling it “fine.”

If you're wondering whether what you're feeling is burnout, here are 9 early signs I see most often in therapy:

The Subtle Signals:

1. Constant Fatigue – You’re tired even after rest. Mornings feel like a mountain.

2. Irritability – Small things set you off. Patience has left the chat.

3. Cynicism – You catch yourself thinking, “What’s the point?” more often.

4. Loss of Joy – Things you used to love now feel like chores.

5. Brain Fog – You forget words, lose focus, or blank on tasks you’ve done a hundred times.

6. Physical Symptoms – Headaches, tension, digestive issues—all can signal burnout.

7. Disconnection – From others, your body, your sense of self.

8. Overachieving to Numb – You push yourself harder to avoid how you’re feeling.

9. Sunday Dread – The week hasn’t started, but you already feel behind.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’ve been strong for too long—without support.

The earlier you recognize these signs, the easier it is to interrupt the cycle.

Do any of these sound familiar to you or someone you know?

Next up, we’ll look at how to recognize burnout in yourself and others—and what to do when you see it.