Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor: Why High-Functioning Women Are the Most At Risk

Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor: Why High-Functioning Women Are the Most At Risk

If you’re the kind of woman who’s always on top of things—organized, dependable, always pushing forward—you might also be the kind of woman who’s quietly burning out.

And the scariest part? You might not even notice it. Not at first.

Burnout doesn’t always look like breaking down. Sometimes, it looks like high performance. Like showing up to every meeting with a smile. Like checking off every task on your to-do list. Like being the friend, the colleague, the leader, the fixer.

But behind all that high-functioning energy, there can be exhaustion, anxiety, and a deep sense of disconnection from your own needs.

Let’s talk about it.

The Hidden Burnout Among High-Performing Women

Burnout is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It includes feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy (WHO, 2019).

But here’s the tricky part: high-functioning women often don’t display those symptoms in obvious ways. Instead, they become masters at hiding them.

They keep achieving. They keep leading. They keep going.

Until they can’t.

Why High-Functioning Women Are at Greater Risk

There are a few reasons why burnout hits high-functioning women so hard:

1. They Normalize Stress

If you’re used to living at 110%, anything less can feel lazy. Many high-functioning women don’t recognize chronic stress as a problem because it’s been their normal for so long.

2. They Tie Worth to Productivity

When your value feels connected to how much you achieve, slowing down can feel like failure. That mindset makes it incredibly hard to rest.

3. They Hide Their Struggles

High-functioning women are often the caretakers. The go-to person. The one who "has it all together."

So when they start to feel overwhelmed, they don’t reach out. They push through. Because vulnerability feels like letting people down.

4. They Are Overlooked by Others

Because they’re performing well, no one checks in. No one assumes they’re struggling. Which reinforces the feeling that asking for help isn’t an option.

The Symptoms You Might Be Ignoring

If you’re high-functioning, burnout might look like:

  • Waking up tired no matter how much sleep you get

  • Feeling on edge, even during small tasks

  • Brain fog or forgetfulness

  • Disinterest in things you used to enjoy

  • Resentment toward people who rely on you

  • Getting sick more often

These symptoms aren’t weaknesses. They’re signals. And listening to them is a strength.

What the Research Says

According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org, women in leadership positions are significantly more likely than men to feel burned out. The report found that 42% of women reported feeling often or almost always burned out compared to 35% of men (Women in the Workplace 2021).

Another study from the American Psychological Association showed that women are more likely to experience physical symptoms of stress than men, including headaches, fatigue, and upset stomachs (APA, 2020).

What You Can Do If This Is You

1. Start Noticing the Subtle Signs

You don’t need a dramatic crash to take burnout seriously. The earlier you notice the signs, the easier it is to intervene.

2. Unlearn the Hustle Culture Narrative

Rest doesn’t make you weak. You don’t have to earn your right to slow down. You are allowed to be tired. You are allowed to say no.

3. Support Your Body and Mind Together

Burnout is not just mental. It’s physical too.

You may need to:

  • Adjust your nutrition

  • Replenish depleted nutrients (like magnesium and B vitamins)

  • Use adaptogens to support your stress response (like ashwagandha or rhodiola)

  • Focus on better sleep hygiene

Always consult with a professional before starting any supplement plan.

4. Find Safe Spaces to Share

Whether it's a therapist, a friend, a journal, or a supportive community—find a space where you don’t have to "perform." A space where you can just be.

5. Redefine Success for Yourself

You don’t have to do everything to be valuable. You don’t have to be perfect to be excellent.

The best leaders aren’t the ones who never burn out. They’re the ones who recognize when they’re approaching the edge—and choose to come back to themselves before it’s too late.

You Are Not Alone

If this post hits close to home, you’re not the only one. You’re not broken. You’re not failing.

You’re just tired. And you deserve care, too.

This is exactly why ELVD exists—to support women who are doing so much for everyone else, and who deserve real, science-backed solutions for stress, anxiety, and nervous system recovery.

Because excellence doesn’t require exhaustion.

And your wellbeing is not optional.

 

 

Sources:

  • World Health Organization. Burn-out is an occupational phenomenon. https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/

  • McKinsey & Company & LeanIn.org. Women in the Workplace 2021. https://womenintheworkplace.com/

American Psychological Association. Stress in America Report. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report

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