Burnout in Scrubs

How I Knew I Wasn’t Okay

Burnout doesn’t always look like tears or dramatic breakdowns. Sometimes it looks like showing up to work, doing everything right, and still feeling completely empty.

I didn’t realize I was burning out at first. I was just annoyed, constantly irritated with my coworkers, convinced I was the only one pulling my weight. Mistake after mistake would fall into my lap, and I was the one fixing everything while everyone else seemed to coast by. I kept asking myself: Why are we all getting paid the same when I’m doing the work of three people?

It started slowly. I stopped connecting with my coworkers. No more shared laughs, no more personal stories. I wasn’t my usual bubbly self. I clocked in, smiled for clients, did my job, and left. On the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, I was simmering with resentment and exhaustion. I felt invisible, and worse, I didn’t feel like myself anymore.

And when people asked if I was okay? I lied. I didn’t want to be a burden.

The truth was, I was edging toward depression. I was emotionally drained, mentally checked out, and pushing myself to keep up with everything and everyone. I thought if I just kept going, things would get better. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

What finally shifted was realizing that I couldn’t keep carrying other people’s slack as if it was my responsibility. I started journaling, leaning on loved ones, and reminding myself that other people’s lack of effort wasn’t a reflection of my worth or something I needed to fix.

Eventually, I found a counselor I really connected with. Now, I meet with her monthly, not because I’m in crisis, but because maintenance matters. Just like we care for the pets in our clinics, we have to care for ourselves.

If you’re wondering if you’re burning out, here are a few signs I wish I’d paid attention to sooner:

• You’re emotionally detached from coworkers or clients

• You’re constantly frustrated or irritable

• You feel invisible or underappreciated, even when you’re giving 100%

• You’re physically present but mentally checked out

• You avoid asking for help because you “don’t want to be a burden”

Here’s what I learned the hard way: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Eat nourishing meals. Move your body. Say no when your plate is full. And ask for help, even if you think you should be able to handle it all. You’re human, not a superhero.

Burnout doesn’t have to be your breaking point. Let it be your turning point.