By WED Independent Ambassador Sarah Rogers

Introduction

Burnout is a word that’s often used, but its reality is deeply personal and sometimes difficult to articulate. Earlier this year, I found myself signed off work with burnout and mental exhaustion, a point I never imagined reaching. My journey through this experience has taught me invaluable lessons about self-awareness, boundaries, and the importance of seeking support. I share my story in hopes it resonates with others who may be facing similar challenges.

The Subtle Descent

At the start of 2025, I was, as always, full of ambition. I set my annual goals: earn a promotion, complete my advanced diploma, lose weight, start running, and make lasting memories with my family. Yet, even after the Christmas break, something felt off. I pressed on, attributing my unease to simple fatigue.

As the weeks passed, small lapses began to creep in, forgetting to add items to the shopping list, missing emails, or not recalling names. These seemingly minor incidents started to weigh on me, compounding my stress and sense of inadequacy. Even positive feedback at work felt hollow, as I often couldn’t remember the moments others praised. I found myself masking my struggles, deflecting concerns from friends, family, and coworkers, and telling myself that if I could just finish one more task, I’d finally feel like myself again.

The Balancing Act

Life outside work was equally demanding. I worked full time, have two young daughters aged 11 and 9, and a husband who also worked full time while managing chronic fatigue syndrome. With both our families hours away from us, we couldn’t rely on them for day to day support, and asking friends for help always felt like a burden.

On top of this, I volunteered at the school PTA and supported a non profit organisation SLT. I was also studying for an advanced diploma, which I did complete successfully, though the achievement felt strangely unsatisfying. What should have been a moment of celebration left me feeling empty, and that in itself was disheartening.

Supporting my daughters through their own challenges, especially as my eldest prepared for her SATs, added another layer of emotional labour. Despite my best efforts, I often felt I wasn’t the parent I aspired to be. My mood suffered. I was tired all the time, no matter how much rest I got, which admittedly wasn’t much. Even family time and social events lost their joy.

The Breaking Point

Summer was meant to be a time of rest and recovery, but it passed in a blur. My daughters were still processing difficult experiences at school and needed extra emotional support. I tried to simplify our lives. No extra clubs, just family time and a couple of visits to relatives. Still, I never truly had a chance to refill my own cup.

As August ended and my eldest started secondary school, her anxiety was at an all time high. I, too, was not my best self. I was short tempered, impatient, grumpy, and often withdrawing from friends and social events. I became a shadow of the person I used to be.

The breaking point came one morning after I lost my temper with my daughter over something minor. The guilt and sadness that followed were overwhelming. I realised I couldn’t function and had truly hit a wall. Fortunately, someone close to me recognised what was happening and encouraged me to call my doctor. Even then, I hesitated, worried I’d be told to just keep going. But when I finally made the call, I was met with understanding and validation. I was signed off work for two weeks with burnout and mental exhaustion.

The Path to Recovery

The first days off were filled with tears and disbelief at how I’d reached this point. But I made a conscious effort to help myself. I went for regular walks and listened to audiobooks, as my mental capacity for reading was limited. These simple activities became lifelines.

During my time off, I also made important decisions. I withdrew from the PTA and stepped down from a non essential leadership role, reducing my commitments to focus on my own wellbeing. While this brought feelings of guilt, it was also a tremendous relief and a weight off my shoulders.

Moving Forward

Returning to work, I prioritised self care and set clearer boundaries. I learned to recognise the signs of burnout. Persistent fatigue, forgetfulness, and loss of joy are not just being tired. I realised the importance of asking for help and that stepping back from commitments is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.

Burnout can happen to anyone, but recovery is possible with support, self compassion, and the courage to make changes. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.

In Their Shoes, What Would You Do?

We’d also love to hear your story. If there’s a moment, challenge, or turning point you think others could learn from, we invite you to submit your blog for consideration as part of the In Their Shoes series. You don’t even need to publish your name, anonymous submissions are welcome. Sometimes, sharing your experience, in whatever way feels safest for you, is exactly what someone else needs to hear.
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