The B word

The B word

August 13, 20242 min read

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Most people think talking about BURNOUT is risky.

And –– you might be surprised to hear me say this –– they’re right. It's risky

→ to openly discuss mental health in many workplaces.

→ to admit you’re struggling when everyone around you seems to have it all together.

→ to expose your vulnerabilities in environments that prioritize productivity over people.

But here’s something even more dangerous:

Ignoring burnout until it consumes you.

Let me tell you about an old colleague of mine, Zara.

Zara was always the star employee: sharp, dedicated, and constantly in the spotlight.

She was the one everyone looked up to, the person who seemed to have it all figured out.

She’d always say:

“One day… I’m going to take a break and focus on my well-being.”

And I believed her.

Well, time passed, and we lost touch.

Then, the other day, I saw an update from Zara:

"I need a shirt that says: Sorry for having a panic attack"

Zara had spent years deferring her well-being,

hiding behind her success, and ignoring the signs of burnout.

Now, she is facing consequences that would take years to recover from.

How do I know?

Well… I have to confess something.

That girl Zara?

I completely made her up.

That girl was actually… me.

→ I was the one who kept pushing

→ hiding behind achievements,

→ and putting off self-care.

I was the one who ignored the signs until burnout took over.

The wake-up call happened when I experienced 2-3 panic attacks every single week.

So, let’s be real:

→ talking about burnout is risky,

→ but not addressing it is far more dangerous.

→ Do NOT wait until you’re in crisis to take action.

Speak up, seek help, and prioritize your well-being now.

Because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to recover.

If you want a QUICK fix? I'm not your person.

But if you're ready to put in the work to make REAL changes? Let's talk.

We are all amazing, and we’re all trying our best—and that's what truly matters. 🌱

Join 800+ readers of UnderlineU Newsletter for tips, strategies & resources to go "from BURNOUT to BALANCE."

Shima Ghaheri

Join 800+ readers of UnderlineU Newsletter for tips, strategies & resources to go "from BURNOUT to BALANCE."

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