Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My Burnout

I thought I was just tired.

🧠 Signs You Might Be Burning Out:

If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is burnout, here are some of the signs I wish I’d recognized earlier:

• Constant fatigue, even after rest
• Brain fog or forgetfulness
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
• Irritability or resentment over daily tasks
• Avoiding social interactions (even ones you used to enjoy)
• Dreading everything — even the small stuff
• Crying randomly… or not feeling much of anything at all

If any of these resonate, you are not imagining it — and you’re not alone.

But there’s a difference between tired and empty. Between needing a nap and needing a complete nervous system reset. Between handling it all and silently crumbling under the weight of it.

By the time I recognized I was burned out, it wasn’t just emotional exhaustion — it was physical. Mental. Spiritual. I wasn’t just depleted. I was detached.

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There’s so much I wish I had known before I got to that point. So in case you’re on your way there, standing near the edge, or already crawling your way back from it… these are the things I would tell you first.

1. Rest isn’t something you earn.

You don’t have to be at the end of your rope to take a break. You don’t have to prove your exhaustion. Rest is a right, not a reward.

2. Saying “yes” all the time is a form of self-abandonment.

I said yes because I thought I had to. Because I was afraid to let people down. Because I thought being available made me valuable. It doesn’t.

3. People who get used to your overgiving will call your boundaries selfish.

Let them. You are not responsible for other people’s comfort with your healing.

4. Burnout isn’t always loud.

Sometimes it’s not crying in a parking lot. Sometimes it’s forgetting what joy feels like. Or not answering texts. Or being physically present but emotionally shut down.

5. Healing isn’t immediate, and it isn’t always pretty.

Some days are glowing. Some days are just surviving. Both are sacred.

6. The world won’t fall apart if you take a step back.

Your absence won’t destroy the people you love. Your presence will mean more when you’re not pouring from an empty cup.

7. You don’t have to do it alone.

This is the one that hit me the hardest. I didn’t even know where to find support that didn’t feel performative or shallow. That’s why I built one.

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If you’re near burnout, I see you.

You’re not lazy. You’re not dramatic. You’re not broken. You are simply carrying more than anyone should have to without being given space to breathe.

Let this be your permission slip to put it all down.

✍️ Reflect:

What would you say to the version of you that kept pushing through pain?

What would it look like to give yourself permission to pause?

And if you’re ready to come back to yourself, we’ll be right here.

💌 If this post spoke to you, it will speak to someone else too. Please share it with a friend who might be holding too much, too quietly.

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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