You’re not just tired: 7 alarming signs your mental health is on the edge
Phrases we use to mask burnout and extreme stress (photo: Freepik)
Emotional burnout isn’t just fatigue that can be fixed with a long weekend. It’s the result of chronic stress and is officially listed in the International Classification of Diseases. The problem is that admitting burnout means starting to treat it, and often there’s simply no energy for that. It’s much easier to joke about it or convince yourself that everyone lives like this.
Vsviti explains which everyday phrases we use to mask our burnout — and why this is very dangerous.
Devaluation: ''It could be worse''
This is an attempt to convince yourself that your suffering doesn’t matter.
-
“Oh, it’s just normal fatigue; everyone feels like this.”
-
“I just have to endure it.”
-
“Others have it worse; I shouldn’t complain.”
Why it’s dangerous: Comparing yourself to others who are “worse off” doesn’t give you strength. It only legalizes your suffering instead of helping you stop it.
Humans are very resilient. You lie down at night thinking you can’t go on, and by morning, you somehow manage a little longer. You tell yourself to wait a bit, and maybe things will improve. But when patience runs out, you remind yourself of people who are “worse off.”
It’s all an illusion — nothing will change by itself. The only thing you can do is think about what small step you can take right now to feel even slightly better.
Dark humor: ''Immortal pony''
Jokes are the most popular shield. But if you remove the irony, they sound terrifying.
-
“I’m so tired I can’t even rest back.”
-
“The horses are dying at work, and I’m the immortal pony.”
-
“We work until we drop.”
Why it’s dangerous: Humor trivializes the problem, making critical states part of office folklore. Try saying these phrases without joking — they’ll sound terrifying.
Illusion of responsibility: ''If not me, then who?''
Burnout often hides behind hyper-responsibility, which borders on egoism.
-
“If I don’t do it, no one will.”
-
“I can’t let the team down.”
-
“I just want to do this perfectly.”
Why it’s dangerous: Being a go-to employee is great for a company, but no one cares about your health more than you. Nobody is irreplaceable, but lost health is hard to regain. Responsibility is a good trait, but your health is also your responsibility. Take action before burnout takes over.
False control: ''It’s my choice''
Trying to convince yourself you’re in control, even if the situation is pulling you off a cliff.
-
“I can handle it, I always manage.”
-
“It’s my choice to work to exhaustion.”
-
“I love having a lot of tasks; it makes me feel needed.”
Why it’s dangerous: True control means being able to stop in time and step out of the situation that’s destroying you. When everything seems out of control, you tell yourself it’s your choice — and then do nothing. You end up on the same destructive path anyway.
Apathy: ''Doesn’t matter anyway''
This is the final stage when emotions simply shut down.
-
“I’m just doing what I was told; there’s no point arguing.”
-
“Nothing matters to me anymore.”
-
“I just have to survive until the weekend (vacation, retirement).”
Why it’s dangerous: If apathy lasts for weeks, it’s more than fatigue — it’s a reason to seek professional help and rule out depression.
What to do next?
If you recognize yourself in these phrases, take real responsibility for your state. Try adjusting your workload, or at least turn off work chats for one day. True control begins when you say no to work for the sake of a yes to your life.
