Can parents become burned out?
Unequivocally, yes. Burnout doesn’t only come from work — it can come from caregiving, constant responsibility, and never getting a real break. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself, overwhelmed by being constantly needed, and finding you barely get through each day — you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. Parent burnout sounds like:
I love my family, but I also feel more and more distant
I’m trying to do everything I’m supposed to — but it's impossible to keep up
I don’t remember the last time I felt like myself. And that really scares me
I need to constantly sneak an escape to the bathroom or car to be alone or cry
Normal Stress Feels Like
- A few hours or days of low motivation, tiredness, or anxiety
- A passing headache, cold, or a poor night or two of sleep
- Occasionally snapping at a loved one
- A temporary feeling of defeat or discouragement
Burnout Feels Like
- Weeks-long exhaustion, anxiety, or depressive symptoms
- Brain fog, headaches, stomach aches, getting sick easier, and difficulties sleeping
- Persistently withdrawing from your partner, kids, friends, or family
- Feeling simultaneously like you wish you could run away and just can't 'do it' anymore – and guilty or ashamed for feeling that way
You don't need to try to fix your life right now.
If you're like the millions of people who face burnout each year, you might be feeling pretty worried or anxious right now. The good news is you're not alone and you're going to be okay, too. You don't need to worry about trying to fix everything at once. Just take it one step at a time – we're here to help you do that. Start with a burnout quiz to find out whether you’re dealing with stress or burnout, and we'll guide you from there.
Get more clarity.
This short quiz is designed specifically for parents, and can help you understand whether you might be experiencing burnout.
Ready for your next step?
Download Bonsai: your guide through parental burnout.
Reduce Stress
Learn how to regulate your stress and prevent burnout with lessons.
Track Your Progress
Take personalized quizzes to address the roots of burnout and track your progress along the way.
Tackle parent burnout
Access hundreds of tools and tips made specifically for burnout prevention, or recovery.