Breaking the Silence on Stress and Burnout: A Message to Professional Women
by Lyndsay Babcock
Principal Clinical Psychologist and Practice Director
You’re a powerhouse. A leader. A professional. You’re the one people turn to when they need answers, solutions, or guidance. From managing work responsibilities to nurturing relationships at home, you wear countless hats and do it all with grace—or at least that’s how it looks from the outside.
But inside, it’s a different story.
You’re tired. No, exhausted. You wake up every morning feeling like you’re already behind. The to-do list never ends, and the pressure to perform is unrelenting. The things you once loved about your career now feel like an endless uphill climb. Even in rare moments of rest, your mind races with what’s next.
This isn’t just stress. This is burnout. And if you’re reading this, you’re not alone.
What Are Stress and Burnout?
Stress and burnout are closely linked, but they are not the same. Stress is a natural response to external pressures and challenges. It often comes with physical and emotional symptoms such as:
- Racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating.
- Muscle tension and headaches.
- Irritability or a short temper.
Burnout, however, is the result of chronic, unrelieved stress. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion where you feel depleted and detached. Signs of burnout include:
- Persistent fatigue, even after rest.
- Loss of motivation or a sense of purpose.
- Feeling cynical, hopeless, or emotionally numb.
Anxiety can also occur alongside stress and burnout, adding feelings of persistent worry and fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating.
Many women experience all three simultaneously—a relentless cycle of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Unfortunately, symptoms are often dismissed or ignored until physical health issues arise, such as frequent colds, digestive issues, shingles, or even pneumonia.
Why Stress and Burnout Hit Professional Women So Hard
Women in professional roles face unique challenges. Many of us carry an invisible mental load—the ongoing responsibility of remembering, planning, and organising not just for ourselves but often for others.
Add to that the societal expectation to “have it all” and “do it all,” and it’s no wonder that stress and burnout rates are climbing. Professional women often push themselves to extremes to prove their worth, feeling guilty for slowing down or asking for help.
It’s not your fault, and you’re not weak for feeling this way. Stress and burnout aren’t signs of failure—they’re signals. Your body and mind are telling you that the current pace isn’t sustainable, and it’s time to take a step back.
Reclaiming Balance and Joy
The good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way. With the right strategies and support, you can break free from the cycle of stress and burnout and start living with intention and balance again.
Imagine waking up feeling energised, setting boundaries without guilt, and rediscovering the joy in your career and personal life. It’s not a distant dream—it’s possible.
Let’s Work Together to Overcome Stress and Burnout
At The Self Centre, Clinical Psychologist Lyndsay Babcock works exclusively with professional women experiencing stress, burn out and anxiety
Together, we will work to identify the underlying factors contributing to your burnout and create actionable steps to help you regain control, purpose, and balance.
Not sure if therapy is the right next step? Schedule a free 15-minute intake session with Lyndsay Babcock to see how we can work together.
Booking is easy:
Visit our website at www.selfcentre.com.au.
Click on the ‘Book a Free Intake Session’ button.
Choose a time that suits you best.
Or, if you’re not ready for therapy, explore our Learning Hub, filled with bite-sized strategies to help you start making changes today.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Support is just a click away.
Book Your Free Session Now