My Story of Burnout: How Chronic Stress Nearly Destroyed My Health (And How I Recovered)

When Your Doctor Says "Your Job Is Killing You"

Burnout isn't just feeling tired after a long workweek. It's a serious condition that can devastate your physical and mental health if left unchecked. As someone who experienced burnout three times during my 20-year career in behavioral health, I want to share my story—particularly my third and most severe episode—to help you recognize the warning signs and understand that recovery is possible.

The Warning Signs I Ignored

Seven years ago, in 2018, I hit rock bottom. I was working around the clock—managing my day job, supervising employees, helping struggling clients, and responding to crisis calls in the middle of the night. I was literally working 24/7, searching for runaway kids and trying to fix a failing program.

The warning signs were everywhere:

• Chronic insomnia - I wasn't sleeping because I was always "on"

• Physical exhaustion - My body was in constant fight-or-flight mode

• Unsustainable workload - I knew I couldn't continue, but felt trapped

I sustained this survival mode for six months to a year, and my body paid the price.

The Wake-Up Call: When Stress Becomes Life-Threatening

My annual checkup with my functional medicine doctor changed everything. This wasn't just fatigue—my labs were moving in dangerous directions. My doctor's words hit me like a truck: "Your job is killing you. If you don't make a change, I can't help you."

The physical toll was undeniable:

• My A1C was creeping back toward diabetic levels

• I was gaining weight despite my exhaustion

• At just mid-30s, I had developed arthritis in my joints

• I couldn't walk 100 feet without pain

This was my wake-up call that no job—no matter how meaningful—is worth sacrificing your health.

Taking Action: The Road to Recovery

After that doctor's appointment, a colleague reminded me about my FMLA benefits. As a mental health provider, I now see more people taking FMLA for burnout recovery, and I'm grateful this option exists because some of us truly need it.

I needed time to:

1. Rest and recover physically

2. Create mental space to think clearly about necessary changes

3. Develop a sustainable plan for long-term health

My Recovery: Proof That Healing Is Possible

Today, 6-7 years later, my life looks completely different:

• My arthritis pain is minimal

• My lab results are excellent

• I love life again and have the balance I want

• I can take 2-mile walks without pain

The Key Elements of Burnout Recovery

Through my experience and work with others, I've identified crucial components of sustainable recovery:

1. Know Yourself

We must understand our personal burnout warning signs. Everyone's signals are different, so self-awareness is crucial.

2. Prioritize Quality Sleep

I focus on quality over quantity. Sleep is when our bodies recover, making it non-negotiable for burnout prevention and recovery.

3. Create Your Personal Plan

Recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. You need strategies that work for your specific situation and lifestyle.

4. Stay True to Your Values

Maintaining congruence between your values and your life choices prevents future burnout episodes.

Check out Stress to Peace in Just 2 Weeks for easy steps to start your recovery journey!

Hope for Your Journey

If you're reading this and recognizing yourself in my story—feeling exhausted, questioning the point of it all, unable to sleep, wondering if you can continue—please know there is hope.

You don't have to:

• Stay stuck in burnout

• Live in survival mode long-term

• Sacrifice your health for your career

Burnout recovery is possible, regardless of external pressures. You can overcome whatever life is throwing at you right now.

Your Next Step

If you're uncertain whether you can recover or what that might look like, I'm here to help. Recovery is possible, and you don't have to figure it out alone.

Remember: You have the power to change your situation. Your health—both mental and physical—is worth fighting for.

If you're struggling with burnout, don't wait until your doctor delivers a wake-up call like mine. Reach out for support, prioritize your health, and remember that recovery is not just possible—it's probable with the right approach. Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation