More Than Just Tired? How to Recognise and Heal from Parental Burnout

You do it all. The school runs, the packed lunches, the laundry, the listening, the loving, the constant juggling. You are the rock of your family.

But what happens when the rock starts to crumble?

Parental burnout isn't just about feeling tired. It's a deep, soul-level exhaustion that can leave you feeling empty, detached, and wondering where the person you used to be has gone.

It’s the feeling that you’re pouring from a cup that has long been empty.

If this sounds familiar, please hear this first: You are a good parent experiencing a normal reaction to chronic, overwhelming stress.

What Are the Signs of Parental Burnout?

Burnout can creep up slowly, but its signs are distinct.

You might be experiencing it if you feel:

Chronic Exhaustion: A bone-deep tiredness that sleep doesn't seem to fix.
Emotional Detachment: Feeling distant from your children, like you’re just going through the motions of parenting.
Irritability and a Short Fuse: Finding yourself getting angry or frustrated over small things.
Feeling "Touched-Out": A constant need for physical space and feeling overwhelmed by physical contact.
Loss of Identity: Forgetting who you are outside of your role as "Mum" or "Dad".
A Sense of Dread: Feeling overwhelmed by the simple thought of the day ahead, especially during intense periods like the school holidays.

Therapy: Your Space to Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Taking time to focus on your own wellbeing is not selfish—it is the most important thing you can do for yourself and for your family.

Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgemental space that is just for you.

Here, you can:

Rediscover Yourself: Reconnect with your own identity, needs, and passions.
Develop Coping Strategies: Learn practical tools to manage stress and prevent burnout from taking over.
Process Feelings of Guilt: Work through the difficult emotions of guilt and shame that often accompany burnout.
Find More Joy in Parenting: By refilling your own cup, you can bring more energy, patience, and joy back into your family life.