Burnout & the caregiver experience
Burnout often feels like running on empty, no matter how much rest you try to get. Tasks that once felt manageable can begin to feel overwhelming. You might notice yourself snapping more easily, feeling foggy or detached, or losing the motivation you once had. Even small responsibilities can seem heavy, and you may catch yourself wondering why you can’t “just push through” the way you used to. Over time, you may start to feel disconnected from your work, your relationships, or even yourself.
For caregivers, the experience can be even more complex. Caring for someone you love can bring meaning and connection, but it can also be relentless. The constant responsibility may leave little space for your own needs. You might find yourself feeling guilty for wanting a break, or resentful that others don’t fully understand what you’re carrying. You might also notice resentment or anger toward your loved one. Over time, the exhaustion can turn into a deep sense of isolation, like you’re giving everything you have and there’s nothing left for yourself.
These experiences don’t mean you’re failing—they’re signs that you’ve been carrying too much for too long. They are signs that you need and deserve care too.
How I can help
Psychotherapy can help you regain clarity, reconnect with yourself, and find sustainable ways of living and working. Psychotherapy can also help you feel less alone, more supported, and better equipped to care for both yourself and your loved one.
In our sessions, we might:
- Explore how burnout or caregiver fatigue is showing up in your body and mind, and learn ways to respond with more balance
- Understand your nervous system’s stress responses and practice strategies that help you shift toward greater calm and safety
- Learn to make space for difficult emotions, step back from unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with what matters most to you
- Process the changing nature of your relationship with the person you’re caring for, including feelings of grief, sadness, guilt, or loss
- Learn to extend to yourself the same care and understanding you so freely give to others
- Identify boundaries, resources, and coping strategies that support your well-being while honouring your commitments
I often draw from polyvagal theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, grief theory, and self-compassion principles when working with burnout and supporting caregivers.
