Feeling Drained All the Time? Let’s Talk About Burnout
There’s a kind of tired that no amount of sleep seems to fix.
Maybe you’ve noticed it lately: finding it harder to concentrate, getting irritated quicker than usual, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy. You might be wondering, is this burnout, or am I just not coping?
It’s tricky to tell, especially when life doesn’t slow down.
If you’ve been searching for answers like “why am I always exhausted?” or “how do I know if I’m burned out?”, you’re not alone. More men than you might think are quietly asking these questions but unsure of what to do next.
Burnout Is More Than Just Stress
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up when you’ve been under pressure for too long, with too little rest or support.
Often, it’s linked to work, but it can come from anywhere; family responsibilities, money worries, or simply feeling like you’re always “on” with no way to switch off.
For many men, burnout doesn’t show up as you might expect. It can look more like frustration than sadness. More like zoning out than breaking down. You might feel flat, on edge, wired but exhausted, and just going through the motions on autopilot.
Why Burnout Can Be Hard To Spot
Burnout can feel different for everyone, but some common signs include:
- Feeling numb or disconnected, like you’re just going through the motions.
- Struggling to focus or get motivated.
- Getting more irritable or pulling away from others.
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.
- Feeling like nothing really matters, or that you can’t keep up.
Some men also notice physical symptoms, such as a tight chest, headaches, stomach trouble, or a constant low-level tension.
These aren’t signs of failure. They’re signals that something is out of balance and needs attention.
Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
There’s still a lot of pressure on men to “stay in control” and avoid showing vulnerability. This makes it harder to notice when things aren’t right.
You might find yourself thinking:
- “Everyone’s stressed, it’s normal.”
- “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
- “I’ll get through this once things settle down."
But if that calm never comes, it’s worth stopping to check in with yourself.
Could Counselling Be a Useful Step?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about counselling, especially if it’s new to you or feels like a last resort. Many men worry it’ll be awkward, too emotional, or just “not for them.”
But counselling doesn’t have to be like that. At its core, it’s simply a space to pause and make sense of what’s going on — without pretending you’re fine.
Some men find approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) useful. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, and how small changes can shift the way you feel. It’s structured and collaborative: you work with a therapist to find what fits your life and your way of coping.
Getting support early can mean quicker recovery and fewer long-term effects. You don’t need to wait until you’re at breaking point to reach out.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If any of this resonates, ask yourself:
- What am I carrying that no one sees?
- When was the last time I felt like myself?
- What would it be like to talk about this without feeling judged?
Counselling isn’t about having the perfect words or fixing everything straight away. It’s about showing up as you are and being heard.
If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or not quite yourself, you’re not alone. And there’s support out there for you.
Thinking About Taking That First Step?
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting. But it offers space to breathe, reflect, and start finding balance again.
Many therapists understand how burnout affects men and offer practical approaches like CBT or other talking therapies that fit your pace and style.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out. Starting that conversation can be the first step towards something positive.
