How do you get out of the burnout cycle? I’ve felt overwhelmed for a while and now I’m in the “can’t function at all” stage. It’s so hard explaining this to my manager because I already have a workload that’s lighter than others (not because of performance or my request). Any tips on how to get re-engaged, since the overwhelming feeling will come back?

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I’m following this to see what others suggest because I’m in the same boat. It’s frustrating that people throw around the advice, “just go on medical leave” because if I could afford to live off 60% of my salary, I wouldn’t be killing myself at my current job.

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I often suggest taking a medical leave first simply because most people don't realize that it's an option. They don't realize that "burnout" might actually be escalated symptoms of depression/anxiety/etc that have risen to the level where it's unmanageable and untenable.

BUT I get that medical leave isn't an option for some people and it depends on your company's policies. Some people get paid 100% of medical and so it's a better option for them.

There's a lot of options between working full-time and a leave of absence though. Things like reduced schedule, intermittent leave as an accommodation, flexible schedule, etc are all ways to build more space in your life to take care of yourself.

If you're in the can't function at all phase, you might consider taking a short medical leave? You have to prioritize your well-being somehow. I'm a former corporate leave and accommodation consultant so I'm happy to answer any questions related to those processes.

I don't know you or your specific situation but it sounds like you need to rest and prioritize reducing symptoms related to adhd/anxiety/depression/burnout/whatever you want to call it. Nothing is going to change if you keep brute-forcing your way through it!

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With a new baby at home, you must be incredibly overwhelmed!! Maybe there are accommodations that could help.

There's also options in between working full time and taking medical leave so maybe there's a creative way to give you a more flexible schedule without impacting your pay.

I'd be happy to do a quick consult with you to brainstorm your options and resources. You can also start setting more boundaries between work and personal life and there are a lot of different ways to do that. I did this type of consulting for 3 years at Amazon... I've seen a A LOT of different ways people navigate intense burnout. Happy to help :)

Burn out actually takes a long time to recover from, so I agree with the first comment that if you are able to, then I also suggest taking some time away from work.

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Any chance you can afford to take some PTO? When I get to that point I really just need time to decompress and reassess whether I am in the right role, or just need a break.

I definitely need more than a break. I’ve been interviewing with other companies but so far most are waiting until next year to bring people on (recession planning). I just need some tips on how to make it until then without getting fired tbh.

Honestly what I do is take some time off to myself. I do self care activities every day and that really helps me from feeling any real burnout. But when I am feeling burnt out, I take a little time off work to hit the reset button.

Have you thought about taking a short break or a vacation? I know it won't necessarily "heal" burnout in its entirety but it does help a lot; you can start with that. Just talk to your boss but do think about what you have to say. Make it short and clear.

Honestly, it sounds like what you're going through isn't just burnout. I know you mentioned above that you had a baby this year. Have you talked to your doctor about the possibility of postpartum anxiety or depression? Sometimes it isn't *super* severe, so some women don't realize that might be contributing to the feelings of overwhelm & burnout. Of course, it's still not an immediate fix, but if medication and/or therapy could be helpful, that would benefit you in the long run. I just wanted to throw that out there in case that might be possible. Kudos to you for working hard at work and at home. You're amazing, even if you don't feel like it at the moment. Hugs!

Employ a friend or partner to drag you out of your house everyday to talk a walk and get some sunlight. A change of scenery could be good for you and get you unstuck from the routine funk. Take a vacation!

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