How Burnout Shows Up Differently in Women
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s complete exhaustion that won’t let up despite any rest you try to grab. While burnout can affect anyone, recent data shows women are much more likely to experience it than men. What’s particularly difficult is that burnout manifests differently in women’s lives, touching multiple spheres in ways that men typically don’t experience. This difference is rooted in the reality of how we move through the world.
The Double (or Triple) Burden
Even as we’ve achieved more gender equality in many ways, women still face expectations that can feel impossible to meet. Research consistently shows that women perform a greater share of mental labor related to unpaid domestic work and childcare, which is associated with emotional distress, relationship dissatisfaction, and career-related disadvantages.
You’re expected to perform at work while also managing the majority of childcare and home responsibilities. This mental load refers to the invisible labor involved in managing household tasks, family responsibilities, and emotional well-being. It’s not just about doing the laundry—it’s remembering that the laundry needs doing, planning when to do it, noticing when detergent is running low, and adding it to the shopping list.
This extends to emotional labor too. You’re managing the emotions of your family, the people around you at work, and everyone in between.
The Performance Pressure
Women are also expected to present a certain version of themselves to the world. Traditional gender roles create an atmosphere where women are judged based on appearance much more than men. You’re expected to put a pretty face to the world and hold it all together in front of everybody, or else risk being labeled as “emotional” or incapable of doing your job or being a good parent.
This performance is exhausting in its own right. It’s another layer of work that drains your resources.
The Hormonal Factor
Women also navigate much stronger hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives compared to men. From PMS to menstruation, from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and menopause, these shifting hormones can significantly contribute to mental health challenges. When your body is already dealing with these hormonal changes that affect mood, energy, and sleep cycles, burnout can hit even harder.
Recognizing the Signs
So how do you know if you’re experiencing burnout? Here are some key signs:
You never feel fully awake and are exhausted all the time
Even though you’re exhausted, you have trouble sleeping
You struggle to concentrate or make decisions
You feel disinterested in things you used to enjoy, in your career, or in parenting
You dread going to work or taking care of your home or children
You feel increasingly helpless, like nobody is there to support you
What You Can Do
Reduce the pressure. Find places to lighten your load. This might mean taking on a bit less at work, or if you’re in a relationship, having conversations with your partner about stepping up with house responsibilities and childcare.
Return to What Restores You
Get back to what you love to do and what you know is emotionally restorative. These activities are essential, not optional.
Seek Supportive Spaces
Connect with friends or family you can talk to honestly. Look for support groups for women, especially ones specific to your career or life stage. These connections remind you that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing.
Engage in Self-Care
This isn’t about bubble baths (though those can be nice). It’s about truly caring for your mind and body through nourishment, good sleep, and exercise.
Consider Therapy
Working with a therapist can help you navigate burnout, understand its roots in your life, and develop personalized strategies for recovery. Schedule a consultation today to learn about our approach to anxiety therapy tailored to women going through burnout. I can help you create a life that feels sustainable instead of depleting.
