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What to do when someone you love is burning out
A guide to helping someone who’s in burnout — and supporting yourself through the process, too
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently when I speak about burnout is: “What can I do to help someone I love who is in burnout?”
When I hear this question, my heart immediately goes out to the person who is posing it. Because the answer is neither simple not satisfying.
Burnout has a huge impact on those around us — partners, children, siblings, parents, friends. Burnout is an occupational phenomenon, but it wreaks damage far beyond the realm of work.
Watching someone burn out can be heart wrenching. Like a slow motion car accident which you are powerless to stop. And that’s the thing: as a loved one, it is beyond your power to stem the tide of chronic workplace stress that is causing them to burn out.
This powerlessness can cause anguish and frustration. You might even feel angry at your loved one.
Why can’t they penetrate the thick haze of chronic stress they’re in?
Why can’t they snap to their senses, take action and heal?
Why do they keep prioritizing work above literally everything else?