Episode 1: The Unspoken Epidemic of Burnout in Women
Welcome to the very first episode of The Overwhelm Edit! I’m so grateful you’re here. In this episode, we’re diving into an issue that affects countless women but is rarely discussed openly—burnout, stress, and the silent epidemic of overwhelm.
The Hidden Crisis of Women's Burnout
Every day, I see an increasing number of women who are overworked, overstretched, overstimulated, and completely overwhelmed. Through my work as a GP and a women's life coach, I witness how deeply exhaustion is woven into our daily lives—impacting careers, relationships, and well-being. Many women feel stuck in survival mode for months, even years, believing this is just the way life has to be.
The reality? It doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Is Burnout Still an Unspoken Epidemic?
Despite rising awareness around mental health, burnout still carries an element of silence and shame. Women often struggle alone, convinced they should somehow be coping better. But burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systemic issue fueled by:
The expectation to "do it all." Society has told us we can "have it all," but in reality, that has translated into doing it all with little support.
The myth that rest is a luxury. We’ve been conditioned to believe we need to earn our rest, rather than treating it as a necessity.
Perfectionism and people-pleasing. These patterns keep us stuck in cycles of overwork and self-sacrifice.
The mental load of modern life. Women juggle countless responsibilities, often feeling like they are barely keeping their heads above water.
The First Step: Recognising Overwhelm for What It Is
Overwhelm isn’t just a feeling—it’s a signal that something needs to change. It's your mind and body telling you that you've been stretched too thin for too long. Understanding the signs can be a powerful first step toward reclaiming control over your life.
Take a moment and reflect:
What does burnout feel like in your body? Tight shoulders? A racing mind? A constant feeling of exhaustion?
How often do you feel like you have to "push through" even when you're running on empty?
What patterns (perfectionism, overcommitting, saying yes when you want to say no) keep showing up in your life?
Redefining “Having It All”
The truth is, you can have it all—but you get to define what that means. It’s about intentional choices, not meeting external expectations. Imagine a life where:
You wake up feeling calm and in control of your day.
You set boundaries with confidence, without guilt.
You make decisions from a place of self-trust, not pressure.
You prioritise your well-being as essential, not optional.
Join the Movement
Burnout doesn't have to be your normal. In The Overwhelm Edit, we’ll explore how to break free from exhaustion and start living a life that feels good to you. This is just the beginning of a movement—one where women reclaim their time, energy, and well-being.
Listen to the full episode below, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and join the conversation!
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with me on Instagram @drsaralouwylie and share your reflections. And if you're ready to take the first step, grab my free guide 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm here: Download now.
You deserve rest. You deserve balance. And you don’t have to do it alone.
