The Unspoken Epidemic: Why Women Are Burning Out
Burnout, overwhelm, and stress have become a silent epidemic among women today. It’s everywhere—in our workplaces, our homes, and even in our social lives. And yet, we rarely talk about it in a way that truly gets to the heart of the issue. As someone who has seen this epidemic unfold both in my work as a GP and a life coach, and in my own life, I believe it’s time we blow the lid off this problem.
What Does Burnout Look Like?
Burnout doesn’t always look the way you might imagine. It’s not just about collapsing from exhaustion (though that’s part of it). It’s also about feeling disconnected, frustrated, and stuck in survival mode. It’s the inability to “switch off” from a never-ending mental to-do list. It’s the emotional meltdowns, or alternatively, the numbness that comes from withdrawing completely. It’s feeling like you’re failing, even though you’re giving everything you’ve got.
For many women, burnout manifests as:
Emotional exhaustion: You feel drained, with nothing left to give.
Physical symptoms: Tight shoulders, a heavy chest, headaches, or trouble sleeping.
Mental overload: Racing thoughts, catastrophizing, or a constant sense of “not being enough.”
Behavioral patterns: Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and difficulty saying “no.”
And yet, so many women go through this in isolation, often believing they’re the only ones struggling.
The Root Causes of Overwhelm
So, why is this happening? Why are so many women stuck in survival mode?
1. Societal Pressures
From a young age, women are taught to “have it all,” but what that often translates to is “doing it all.” We’re expected to excel at work, keep a spotless home, raise thriving children, maintain social connections, and look effortlessly put-together while doing it. The weight of these expectations is crushing.
2. Lack of Support
Many of us grew up in a world that celebrated independence and undervalued community. The concept of a “village” to support women in their personal and professional lives has faded, leaving many to navigate challenges alone.
3. Perfectionism and People-Pleasing
These deeply ingrained patterns keep us stuck in cycles of overwork and self-sacrifice. The desire to meet everyone else’s expectations often comes at the expense of our own needs.
4. Cultural Myths About Rest
We’ve been conditioned to view rest as a luxury—something you have to earn or even feel guilty about. But rest isn’t a reward; it’s a necessity.
5. The Mental Load
Women often carry an invisible mental load, juggling schedules, planning, and remembering the details that keep family and work life running smoothly. This cognitive burden adds to the overwhelm.
Why We Need to Speak Up
Despite the prevalence of burnout, it remains an unspoken issue for many women. Yes, conversations about mental health have become more common, but there’s still a stigma attached to admitting that you’re struggling. When it happens to you, it feels deeply personal, even shameful.
This silence perpetuates the problem. Women go through burnout in isolation, judging themselves harshly and believing they’re alone in their struggles. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Burnout is not a personal failure; it’s a systemic issue.
Practical Steps to Break Free
The good news is that change is possible. While systemic issues need addressing on a larger scale, there are steps you can take today to start reclaiming your well-being:
1. Recognize the Signs
The first step is awareness. Pay attention to how burnout shows up for you—in your mind, body, and emotions. Name it for what it is.
2. Challenge the Myths About Rest
Begin to see rest as non-negotiable, not something you have to earn. Rest is the foundation of everything else in your life.
3. Set Boundaries
Learn to say “no” without guilt. Prioritise what truly matters to you and let go of the rest.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognize that you are doing your best.
5. Find Your Community
Seek out like-minded women who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s friends, a support group, or even an online community, connection can be incredibly healing.
Join the Movement
It’s time to rewrite the story. It’s time to create a world where women feel supported, valued, and empowered to take care of themselves. This is why I started The Overwhelm Edit podcast—to reach more women, share practical tools, and start a conversation that helps us climb out of survival mode together.
If you’re ready to break free from burnout, I invite you to listen to Episode 1 of the podcast on Spotify or Apple. Together, we’ll explore how to move from overwhelmed to thriving—one small step at a time.
You deserve this. You’re worth it. Let’s do this together.
Love SaraLou x
