5 Signs You’re Burnt Out
A practical guide for high-functioning adults who feel exhausted but keep going.
By Sheryl Grant
EMDR & Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy
Southside Glasgow | Online Across the UK
Introduction
Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic.
Often, it looks like someone who is still showing up. Still working. Still supporting others.
But internally? They feel wired, tired, irritable, flat, or overwhelmed.
If you’re wondering whether you’re “just stressed” or something more is going on, here are five common signs of burnout — particularly in high-functioning adults.
1. You Feel Tired — But Can’t Properly Rest
You may:
• Sleep but wake unrefreshed
• Struggle to switch off mentally
• Feel wired at night but exhausted in the morning
• Take time off but not feel restored
Burnout affects the nervous system.
When your body has been in stress mode for too long, it forgets how to fully power down.
2. Small Things Trigger Big Reactions
You notice:
• Irritability over minor issues
• Snapping at people you care about
• Feeling overwhelmed by manageable tasks
• Emotional reactions that feel “bigger than they should be”
This isn’t weakness.
It’s often nervous system overload.
When your internal resources are depleted, your tolerance narrows.
3. You Feel Detached or Numb
Burnout doesn’t always mean anxiety.
Sometimes it looks like:
• Feeling flat
• Reduced motivation
• Emotional shutdown
“Going through the motions”
Detachment can be the nervous system’s way of protecting you when it’s been under sustained strain.
4. You Doubt Yourself More Than Usual
You may notice:
• Increased self-criticism
• Feeling like you’re not coping as well as others
• Imposter feelings intensifying
• Questioning decisions you’d normally feel confident about
• Chronic stress reduces emotional resilience.
Your inner critic often gets louder when your capacity gets lower.
5. Time Off Doesn’t Fix It
Rest helps — but only temporarily.
If burnout is layered with unresolved stress or earlier difficult experiences, simply reducing workload may not be enough.
Sometimes the nervous system is carrying more than just current pressure.
Burnout or Something Deeper?
For some people, burnout is purely workload-related.
For others, it connects with:
• Earlier unresolved experiences
• Long-term stress patterns
• Chronic over-responsibility
• A nervous system that rarely feels safe to relax
Understanding the difference matters — because the support required may be different.
What Helps?
Recovery often involves:
• Strengthening emotional regulation
• Addressing chronic stress patterns
• Processing unresolved experiences
• Learning how to come out of “survival mode”
Therapy can provide a structured and supportive space to do this work safely.
A Gentle Next Step
If you recognise yourself in these signs, you don’t have to keep pushing through alone.
I offer EMDR and trauma-focused psychotherapy for adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress, or emotional overwhelm.
Sessions are available in-person in the south side of Glasgow and online across the UK.
You’re welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation.
Sheryl Grant
mrssherylgrant@gmail.com
Sherylgrantpsychotherapy.co.uk