Low self-esteem and burnout

Low self-esteem and burnout are often deeply connected. When your sense of self-worth is shaky, it’s easy to fall into the trap of proving your value through constant doing. You might say yes when you’re already stretched thin, push through exhaustion, or feel guilty for resting because deep down, you believe that being ‘enough’ depends on how much you achieve or give to others.

Burnout isn’t just about being busy, it’s about being busy while feeling like you’re never doing enough. If you’re driven by self-doubt, perfectionism, or fear of disappointing others, your energy is spent trying to outrun shame, rather than truly honouring your needs. The more you ignore yourself, the louder the fatigue, resentment, and inner critic become.

Healing starts with self-worth. When you believe you’re inherently valuable — regardless of your productivity — rest becomes a right, not a reward. You begin to protect your time, say no without guilt and reconnect with activities that nourish rather than drain you. Rebuilding from burnout is not a failure; it’s a radical act of self-respect.

 

Signs to look out for:

  • Feeling like you must earn your worth

  • Struggling to say no

  • Guilt around resting or slowing down

  • Constantly pushing yourself past your limits

  • Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected

  • Physical exhaustion that doesn’t go away with sleep

  • Resentment toward responsibilities or others’ expectations

  • Loss of joy in things you used to enjoy

  • Inner voice that says “you should be doing more”

 

Let’s re-frame:

 

I can’t stop, people are depending on me

→ Taking care of myself helps me show up more sustainably for others.

 

Resting is lazy

→ Resting is responsible and necessary for my wellbeing.

 

If I say no, I’ll let people down

→ If I say yes to everything, I let myself down.

 

I should be able to handle more

→ Struggling doesn’t mean I’m weak, it means I’m human.

 

I’m only valuable when I’m productive

→ My worth isn’t measured by output, it’s intrinsic.

 

I’ll rest when everything is done

→ There will always be more to do and I still deserve rest now.

 

Burnout means I’ve failed

→ Burnout is a sign I’ve been trying too hard to meet impossible standards.