How to Overcome Burnout: Insights from a Trauma-Informed Therapist
Discover how to recognize and overcome burnout with insights from Felicia Brown, a trauma-informed therapist. Learn strategies to reclaim your life and well-being.
In today’s fast-paced world, many high-achieving women find themselves trapped in a cycle of exhaustion, feeling like they must constantly prove their worth through their accomplishments. This blog post explores the conversation between Shannon, Ann, and guest Felicia Brown, a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in helping women break free from burnout and the exhausting demands of productivity.
Understanding Burnout: The Hidden Costs of Achievement
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real and debilitating condition that can affect anyone, especially those who strive for high achievement. Felicia shares her journey from a successful educator to a licensed counselor, highlighting how societal expectations often lead women to equate their worth with their productivity.
The Symptoms of Burnout
- Physical Exhaustion: Felicia describes her experiences with chronic health issues that stemmed from prolonged stress, such as IBS and severe fatigue.
- Emotional Exhaustion: Many women normalize their exhaustion, believing it’s a badge of honor. However, this mindset can lead to serious emotional distress and a feeling of disconnect from one’s true self.
How to Recognize You’re in Survival Mode
Felicia emphasizes that survival mode feels like a constant state of exhaustion—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward recovery. Here are some signs to look for:
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Increased physical ailments that have no clear cause.
- A nagging feeling of inadequacy, regardless of achievements.
The Journey Back to Yourself: Steps to Overcome Burnout
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step in overcoming burnout is to acknowledge how you feel. Denying your exhaustion only prolongs the problem. Felicia advises women to take a moment to reflect on their emotional and physical states and to be honest with themselves about their needs.
Step 2: Set Boundaries
Learning to say no is crucial for self-preservation. Felicia shares how she had to create boundaries in her life to avoid over committing, especially as a former teacher who was constantly asked to do more.
Step 3: Seek Support
Having a support system is vital. Felicia highlights the importance of finding people who understand your struggles and can help you navigate your feelings. This could be friends, family, or a therapist who specializes in trauma and burnout.
Step 4: Prioritize Self-Care
Engaging in self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Felicia encourages women to carve out time for activities that replenish their energy and joy, whether that’s reading, exercising, or simply taking a break from their daily responsibilities.
Burnout doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By recognizing the signs and taking actionable steps toward recovery, you can reclaim your life and well-being. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize yourself and seek the support you need. Listen to the full episode with Felicia for deeper insight and suggestions.
Host/Travel Advisor/Author
Shannon is the heart behind TTS. A storyteller and traveler at soul level, she believes journeys—both across the world and within ourselves—have the power to heal, connect, and transform. Through honest conversations, she creates space for stories that inspire reflection, resilience, and connection. Based in Texas, Shannon brings a deeply personal and authentic voice to every episode. Her journey has been anything but ordinary—growing up in a large adoptive family, navigating trauma and healing, and ultimately finding her way back to herself through personal growth, reflection, and connection. With a background in healthcare and years of experience in administrative leadership and travel advising, Shannon combines organization, empathy, and curiosity to create meaningful conversations with guests from all walks of life.
Her mission is simple but powerful: to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and reminded that they are not alone. She is Gen X, mother of 2 and currently working on her memoir. Her hobbies are travel, reading, and baking!
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