Burnout Looks Different for Everyone: Here’s How to Reclaim Our life
Burnout is not weakness. It’s a signal.
And for many of us in today’s hyper-demanding world, that signal is flashing red. When we feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in survival mode, that’s burnout.
Whether we’re a high-achieving professional, a busy parent, or a neurodivergent adult navigating a world not designed for us, our burnout shows up differently, but the root often comes from the same place: mental overload, emotional disconnection, and saboteurs (inner critic) running the show.
Here’s how you can recognise the signs and take meaningful steps toward recovery using Positive Intelligence (PQ)—a science-backed framework that will strengthens your inner resilience.
1. Burnout in Working Professionals: The High-Functioning Struggle
We may look like we have it all together: great job, productivity, responsibilities handled. But inside? We feel constantly exhausted, disconnected from purpose, and haunted by the feeling that it’s “never enough.”
Possible Common Inner Saboteurs:
- Hyper-Achiever: Ties self-worth to performance
- Controller: Feels the need to take charge, always
- Restless: Jumps from one task to another, seeking fulfilment but never finding it
These mental patterns keep our brain in “threat mode,” draining our energy and focus.
How PQ Can Help:
Through PQ coaching, we partner you to:
- Identify your saboteurs
- Practice “PQ reps” (mindfulness in action)
- Rewire towards your Sage brain—curiosity, empathy, and clarity
An Example of a Micro-Practice:
Try the Empathy Muscle: Pause, place a hand on your heart, and speak kindly to yourself like you would to a friend. “You’re doing your best. It’s okay to rest.”
2. Parent Burnout: When We’re Holding Everything for Everyone Else
For many caregivers and working parents in Singapore, burnout doesn’t look like collapse, it looks like constant functioning with no space to breathe. We’re juggling childcare, work, school matters, household admin, and still feeling guilty for not doing enough.
Possible Common Saboteurs in Parents:
- Pleaser: Says yes to avoid guilt
- Stickler: Overfocuses on perfection
- Victim: Feels unappreciated and overwhelmed
These voices make it hard to set boundaries or acknowledge our own needs.
How PQ Can Help:
PQ coaching helps you interrupt guilt-driven habits and shift to values-based living. We will partner you to learn how to say “no” with compassion and “yes” to what matters most.
An Example of a Micro-Practice:
Ask yourself: “What do I need today?” (Not your partner, not your child. You.) Just naming this is the first step to reclaiming our well-being.
3. Neurodivergent Burnout: The Hidden Cost of Masking
If we’re autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, burnout can be intense, and often misdiagnosed. It may not come from doing too much, but from trying too hard to fit in. We’ve masked through social events, work meetings, sensory overload… until there’s nothing left to give.
Possible Unique Saboteurs for Neurodivergent:
- Hyper-Vigilant: Always on edge, scanning for rejection
- Avoider: Avoids asking for support
- Restless: Constantly searching for the “right” fix
The result? Emotional shutdown, physical fatigue, and deep disconnection from our true self.
How PQ can help:
We don’t coach you to “fix yourself.” We coach you to reclaim yourself. Using Sage strategies like Exploration, Empathy, and Calm Presence, we help you:
- Unmask safely
- Rebuild energy on your terms
- Honour your sensory, emotional, and communication needs
Essentially, honour our sensory, emotional, and communication needs.
An Example of a Micro-Practice:
List 3 sensory experiences that nourish you (e.g. warm water, soft textures, silence). Make time for them this week, even if its for just five minutes a day. It counts and we all need them.
Burnout Recovery Isn’t About Pushing Harder. It’s About Thinking Differently.
The truth is, we don’t need more discipline. What we need is, a shift in mindset and emotional resilience. That’s what mental fitness offers. Through our PQ coaching services at Joyful Soul Psychology, we support you to:
- Quiet the inner saboteurs
- Grow your mental muscles
- Connect to your authentic values
- Restore your energy and purpose
Ready to Start Healing?
We offer affirming, personalised coaching support for:
- Professionals with burnout
- Parents and caregivers
- Neurodivergent adults
- Anyone seeking calm, clarity, and confidence again
Book a clarity call or initial consultation with us today. Your journey back to joy starts now.