Burnout Is a Kind of Hopeless Exhaustion: How to Recognize and Recover
Author: Yiming Yuan, Therapist in MBG clinic NY office.
Lately, a new type of vlog has been trending online — “A Low-Energy Rat Person’s Day.”
Unlike the “High-Energy Day” or “10 Hours of Productivity” videos that dominate social media, these clips feel refreshing. They seem to send a different message:
Tiredness is allowed. I don’t have to be highly efficient and productive all the time.
And yet, sometimes tiredness runs deeper. Sometimes it becomes burnout.
Exhaustion vs. Burnout: What’s the Difference?
Exhaustion: A good night’s sleep, a weekend off, or a vacation can restore your energy.
Burnout: Rest doesn’t refill the tank. Burnout is exhaustion mixed with hopelessness — a despairing kind of fatigue.
Thoughts like:
“Will my life ever get better?”
“When will this end?”
“Maybe I’m just useless.”
These aren’t truths. They’re signals of burnout. But in the moment, they can feel painfully real.
Burnout Can Happen Anywhere
Although we often say “job burnout,” it isn’t confined to the workplace. Burnout can show up in:
School and academics
Family caregiving
Parenting
Daily routines
Signs of Burnout: What to Watch For
Physical Symptoms
Constant fatigue, low energy, reduced patience
Lower immunity → frequent colds, allergies, skin issues
Headaches, back or body pain without medical explanation
Appetite or sleep changes (insomnia, oversleeping, weight changes)
Emotional Symptoms
Self-doubt, self-disgust
Feeling helpless, hopeless, or trapped
Disconnection or cynicism
Loss of motivation and accomplishment
Behavioral Symptoms
Frequent mistakes or missed details
Avoiding responsibilities
Withdrawal from others
Procrastination, slowed productivity
Coping with food, alcohol, medication, or energy drinks
Irritability, lashing out at others
Skipping work, arriving late, or leaving early
What Can You Do About Burnout?
If you search “how to cope with burnout,” you’ll find countless strategies: journaling, exercise, meditation, creative expression, changing your workload, seeking support groups.
But at the heart of them all is one simple truth: healing starts with self-compassion.
Ask yourself honestly:
When I look in the mirror, how do I want to treat this person in front of me?
If you do just one thing, let it be this:
Spend more time sitting with your own feelings. Ask yourself, “What do I most need right now, in this very moment?”
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your body and mind are sending signals for care.
You Don’t Have to Face Burnout Alone
At Mind & Body Garden Psychology, our therapists can help you:
Understand the roots of burnout
Rebuild routines that restore energy
Develop strategies for self-care and boundaries
Reconnect with meaning and motivation
If you feel stuck in exhaustion and hopelessness, therapy can give you the space to rest and grow. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
References
Vogue. (2025). 3 simple ways to bounce back from burnout. Vogue.
HelpGuide. (2025). Burnout: Symptoms, treatment, and coping strategy tips. HelpGuide.
American Psychiatric Association. (2025). Preventing burnout: Practical strategies. APA Blog.
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