Feeling Burned Out? A Therapist Answers Common Questions
Q: What is burnout, really - and how is it different from stress?
Brooke: Burnout is a sustained state of exhaustion, often tied to work or school, that doesn’t go away with time off, sleep, or your usual self-care. Stress is part of life and usually comes and goes, but burnout is more chronic - it lingers, even when you try to rest. Many people describe feeling disillusioned, depleted, or like nothing they do makes a difference anymore.
Q: What are some signs that someone might be burned out - especially ones they might miss?
Brooke: It’s not always obvious. You might notice increased irritability, bitterness, or a low mood. You may feel ineffective or defeated, like you’ve lost access to critical thinking or emotional clarity. Some people feel helpless or anxious, or they find themselves overwhelmed by things that once felt manageable. A major sign is losing the ability to enjoy work that once felt meaningful.
Q: Who do you usually see in therapy for burnout?
Brooke: I work with professionals across many industries - lawyers, product managers, doctors, educators, researchers, executives, small business owners. Often they’ve checked every box of success, but they still feel joyless, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves.
Q: What’s your approach to helping people work through burnout?
Brooke: First, I want to understand how burnout is showing up for you and what brought you here - both personally and professionally. We’ll explore your values and the deeper narratives that shape your relationship to work, productivity, and boundaries. I also look at how you communicate in the workplace, how you get your needs met, and what changes - internal or external - might help restore a healthier balance.
Q: What’s one thing you’d recommend to someone who’s burned out right now?
Brooke: Step away from your screen. Go outside. Stretch. Even a small moment of nervous system reset can make a difference.
This conversation was recorded during a live interview on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, and updated with additional notes from Brooke.
Brooke Pomerantz, LCSW, is a licensed therapist based in Oakland, with 18 years of experience. This Q&A was recorded during a live interview on Wednesday, June 26, 2025. Brooke is serving clients across California, New York, and Indiana. She works with adults navigating depression, burnout, and identity-related challenges.
Explore Brooke’s full therapy practice here »
Learn more about depression therapy with Brooke »Brooke Pomerantz, LCSW
Psychotherapy, Supervision, and Consultation
Licensed in CA, NY, and IN
(415) 832-0767
brookepomerantz.com
