{"id":71548,"date":"2026-04-17T12:59:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eltecolote.org\/content\/?p=71548"},"modified":"2026-04-17T13:11:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T20:11:10","slug":"mental-health-burnout-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eltecolote.org\/content\/en\/mental-health-burnout-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling burned out? What Jackie Fielder\u2019s hospitalization teaches us about mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Supervisor Jackie Fielder, who represents parts of San Francisco\u2019s Mission District, Portola, and Bernal Heights neighborhoods, has requested a leave of absence through the end of June after being hospitalized following a mental health crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Latino communities continue working to destigmatize conversations around mental health, a broader question emerges: How do we recognize burnout? And how do we care for ourselves while caring for others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burnout is more common than many people realize. According to a Gallup survey, about three in four employees in the United States experience burnout at least sometimes, and about one in four experience it very often or always. Burnout is a response to prolonged stress, overwhelm and unmet emotional and physical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a therapist, I\u2019ve supported clients navigating burnout, and I\u2019ve experienced it myself. Many of us who care deeply about our communities often find ourselves overextended in roles of service and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to identify burnout early, and what to do if you think you\u2019re experiencing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCalladita te ves m\u00e1s bonita\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)<\/a>, work is one of the leading sources of stress for adults in the United States. Long hours, unclear expectations, and lack of support can all contribute to declining mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Latino and immigrant communities, burnout can be even more complex. Many of us are shaped by a deeply rooted work ethic tied to survival, sacrifice, and responsibility. Speaking up, slowing down, or setting limits can feel risky\u2014or even impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We may push ourselves to meet every demand, respond to every message, and carry more than we should, often ignoring our own emotional and physical limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What burnout can look like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Burnout can show up in many ways. It may feel like anxiety, emotional exhaustion, or difficulty setting boundaries. It can also create a persistent sense of fear or urgency \u2014 a feeling that something bad will happen if you stop or fall behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burnout can also strain your relationships. Exhaustion, stress and irritability can make it harder to connect with loved ones, leading to distance, conflict or resentment over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people associate burnout with fatigue, but it can also appear physically. Sleep problems, a weakened ability to respond to stress, frequent illness, cardiovascular strain and digestive issues are among the more common physical symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may also cope in unhealthy ways, such as overworking even more or turning to substances to numb stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five stages of burnout<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1: Honeymoon phase | High motivation, creativity, and energy, often leading to taking on too much responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2: Onset of stress | Initial enthusiasm wanes; fatigue begins, along with irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 3: Chronic stress | Pressure builds daily, leading to neglect of self-care, procrastination, or disengagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 4: Burnout | Symptoms intensify, resulting in deep exhaustion, emotional depletion, and a sense of being trapped or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 5: Habitual burnout | Burnout becomes a baseline state, leading to long-term mental and physical health consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding your window of tolerance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our nervous systems operate within what\u2019s called a Window of Tolerance. When we\u2019re within that window, we feel calm, present, and engaged. When we move outside of it, we may experience anxiety, hypervigilance, exhaustion, or emotional shutdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burnout often pushes us outside this window for extended periods, making it harder to regulate emotions and respond to stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to recover and prevent burnout<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recovering from burnout requires intentional care and meaningful change. Here\u2019s how you can achieve both rest and balance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n