Women and Burnout: Why It’s Time to Stop Surviving and Start Thriving
Burnout. It’s a word we hear all the time, but for women, it often looks and feels different. Between careers, relationships, family responsibilities, social pressures, and the endless list of “shoulds” — many women are running on empty long before they even realise it.
The truth? Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes from being stretched too far for too long.
Why Women Are at Higher Risk
Women are twice as likely as men to experience burnout, and here’s why:
Multiple roles: Many women juggle careers while also carrying the mental load at home.
Perfectionism & pressure: The expectation to “do it all” and do it perfectly, leaves no room for rest.
Hormonal shifts: Life stages like perimenopause and menopause can make energy levels, mood, and resilience harder to manage.
Silence & shame: Too often, women push through, hiding their struggles because admitting burnout feels like admitting failure.
Signs of Burnout in Women
Constant fatigue, even after sleep
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Irritability, anxiety, or feeling “numb”
Loss of motivation or drive
Physical symptoms, headaches, gut issues, irregular cycles
A sense of detachment, like you’re just going through the motions
Breaking the Cycle
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does recovery. Here are steps that can help:
Acknowledge it: Admitting you’re burnt out is not weakness, it’s the first act of strength.
Rest without guilt: Your body isn’t a machine. It’s allowed to pause.
Set boundaries: “No” is a full sentence. Protect your energy.
Seek support: From therapy to women’s circles, talking it out can help lift the mental weight.
Rebalance: Nutrition, movement, and mindful practices aren’t luxuries, they’re non-negotiables for healing.
The Bigger Picture
Burnout is not an individual flaw, it’s a collective issue shaped by the unrealistic demands placed on women. By speaking openly, we dismantle the shame around it and create space for healthier, more sustainable ways of living and working.
Ps, If you’re reading this and nodding along, know this: you’re not weak, you’re not lazy, and you’re definitely not alone. Burnout doesn’t define you, it’s a sign it’s time to take your power back!
Here is a list of Women’s Circles in Australia:
ElevateHER Australia Circles
Peer Circle programs and mentoring, run by Jilinda Lee and ElevateHER since 2014.
Sofia Women’s Circle (Sydney)
Monthly and one-off circles for women who’ve been putting themselves last, designed for nurturing connection and self-care.
WomenCAN Australia – The Placement Circle
A peer-led support initiative that helps women rebuild confidence and social and work capability.
The Gathering Space (Paddington, NSW)
Regular circles offering reflection, emotional replenishment, and safety for women from all walks of life.
Multicultural Women Victoria (Melbourne)
Community circles supporting migrant and refugee women with connection, resources, and social inclusion.
Solace Heart (Online)
Monthly online circles for women to feel seen, heard, supported, and celebrated—facilitating embodied practices, soulful reflection, and community.