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How to Support a Loved One Going Through Burnout

2 July 2025

Burnout. It’s a word we hear a lot these days, but it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s a very real, very tangible experience that can leave even the strongest of us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and detached. Seeing someone you care about go through burnout can be heart-wrenching, but the truth is, you can help. So, how do you support a loved one going through burnout without overstepping boundaries or making things worse? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what you can do to help.

How to Support a Loved One Going Through Burnout

Understanding Burnout

Before we jump into how to support someone, it’s crucial to understand what burnout actually is. No, it’s not just “being tired” or “feeling lazy.” Burnout occurs when someone is mentally, emotionally, and physically drained, usually due to prolonged stress, often related to work or personal commitments. Think of it as running a marathon without ever getting a break—eventually, your body (and mind) just gives out.

Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, but there are some common signs that may help you identify if your loved one is struggling:

- Exhaustion: They’re always tired, even after resting.
- Decreased Performance: Work or hobbies they once enjoyed now seem like a chore.
- Emotional Detachment: They may feel disconnected or indifferent to things they used to care about.
- Increased Irritability: Little things that never bothered them before are now triggering frustration or anger.
- Decline in Physical Health: Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or even worsening chronic conditions could be signs of burnout.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in offering effective support. After all, how can you help someone if you don’t even know what’s wrong, right?

How to Support a Loved One Going Through Burnout

The Importance of Empathy

So, you’ve recognized that your loved one is going through burnout. What now? The most important thing you can offer at this stage is empathy. Not sympathy, mind you—empathy. There’s a huge difference. Sympathy says, “That sucks, I feel bad for you.” Empathy says, “I may not fully understand, but I’m here with you in this.”

Listen Without Judgement

It’s tempting to offer solutions right away, but sometimes people just need to be heard. Instead of jumping in with advice, try simply listening. Let them vent without interrupting or trying to fix things immediately. Burnout often leaves people feeling isolated, and knowing someone cares enough to listen can be a big relief.

Think of it like this: If someone’s drowning, the last thing they need is a lecture on swimming techniques. They need someone to throw them a life raft. Listening can be that life raft.

How to Support a Loved One Going Through Burnout

How to Offer Practical Support

Once you've shown empathy, you may feel ready to provide more tangible help. But how do you do this without overstepping or making them feel like you're taking over their life? The trick is to offer practical support subtly and respectfully.

1. Encourage Breaks and Rest

Burnout often stems from overwork, so encouraging your loved one to take breaks can be incredibly beneficial. But don’t just say, “You should rest.” Make it actionable.

- Suggest mini-breaks: If they’re working from home, suggest stepping outside for 10 minutes to breathe some fresh air.
- Help them create boundaries: If they’re struggling to say “no” to work demands, offer to help them practice setting boundaries. You could say, “It’s okay to turn off your phone after work hours. The world won’t end.”

A gentle reminder that resting isn’t selfish can go a long way.

2. Help With Small Tasks

Burnout can make even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. Something as simple as doing dishes or responding to emails can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Offer to help with these little things, but do it in a way that doesn’t make them feel incompetent.

You could say, “Hey, I’m going to the grocery store, want me to grab you a few things?” or “I’m doing laundry; why don’t I toss your stuff in too?”

It’s often the small gestures that make the biggest difference.

3. Suggest Professional Help (Gently)

It’s important to remember that you’re not a therapist (unless you are, of course!). While your support is invaluable, there may come a point where professional help is needed. If you sense that your loved one is sinking deeper into burnout, gently suggest they talk to a therapist or counselor.

Phrase it like this: “I’ve heard therapy can be really helpful for burnout. It might be worth talking to someone who specializes in this.” Offer to help them research therapists or even accompany them to an appointment if they feel nervous.

How to Support a Loved One Going Through Burnout

Avoid Common Pitfalls

While your intentions may be good, it’s easy to fall into traps that do more harm than good. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Don’t Minimize Their Experience

Saying things like, “Everyone gets stressed” or “It’s not that bad” can feel incredibly dismissive. Remember, burnout is more than just stress—it’s a full-blown emotional, mental, and physical collapse. Even if their situation doesn’t seem overwhelming to you, it clearly is to them.

Don’t Take Over

It might be tempting to jump in and take charge, especially if your loved one seems incapable of handling things. But doing everything for them can actually make them feel more helpless and out of control. Instead of solving all their problems, focus on providing support and encouragement.

Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice

You may have all sorts of ideas on how they can “fix” their burnout. But unless they ask for it, avoid offering up advice. Unsolicited advice can come across as patronizing, or worse, add to their feeling of failure. Instead, let them know you're available if they want to brainstorm solutions together.

The Role of Self-Care in Supporting Someone Else

Here’s an important truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re going to be there for someone going through burnout, you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. It’s kind of like the oxygen mask rule on airplanes—secure yours first before helping others.

Set Boundaries

It’s easy to get sucked into someone else’s problems, especially when it’s someone you love. But you can’t be their hero 24/7. Set boundaries for yourself, whether that’s taking time for your own hobbies or simply stepping away for a bit to recharge. It’s okay to admit that you need a break too.

Practice Your Own Stress-Relief Techniques

Supporting someone through burnout can be stressful in itself. Make sure you’re engaging in activities that help you relieve stress, whether that’s exercising, meditating, or just binging your favorite Netflix show. Staying mentally and emotionally strong will allow you to better support your loved one in the long run.

When to Step Back

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your loved one may not want or be ready to accept help. And that’s okay. You can’t force someone to take care of themselves or seek help if they’re not ready. In these cases, the best thing you can do is let them know you’re there whenever they’re ready and continue to offer your love and support from a distance.

Recognize Your Limits

There’s only so much you can do. If you find that your own well-being is suffering, it may be time to take a step back. You can’t save everyone, and that’s not your job. It’s okay to admit that you’re not equipped to handle everything they’re going through, especially if it’s affecting your mental health.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a loved one going through burnout is no small task. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to offer practical assistance without overstepping. Remember, burnout is serious, but with the right support, your loved one can recover. Your role is to be a steady presence, offering help when needed and giving space when necessary. By doing so, you’re giving them the best chance to bounce back stronger than before.

all images in this post were generated using AI tools


Category:

Burnout

Author:

Jenna Richardson

Jenna Richardson


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