From what youâve shared, it sounds like youâre carrying a significant emotional load, and I want to acknowledge the weight of that. Feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected even after a break, and overwhelmed by upcoming responsibilities may indicate symptoms of burnout, depression, or sometimes a combination of both. Let me help you make sense of this.
1. Does this indicate depression or burnout?
Your experience could align with both. Burnout is often tied to chronic stressâespecially in professional rolesâand it can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced productivity. However, when symptoms go deeper, such as feeling persistently empty, struggling with motivation, changes in sleep/appetite, tearfulness, or feelings of guilt and hopelessness, they may also signal clinical depression. A proper assessment will help distinguish between the two and guide next steps.
2. Should I consult a psychiatrist or psychologist first?
If your symptoms are significantly affecting your day-to-day functioning, especially if youâre experiencing sleep issues, appetite changes, or intrusive negative thoughts, it would be wise to consult a psychiatrist first for a diagnostic evaluation and to consider whether short-term medication support might be helpful.
Simultaneously or soon after, I strongly encourage you to begin therapy with a psychologist. Therapy offers a supportive space to process these emotions, reduce anxiety, work through guilt, and explore coping strategiesâespecially around major decisions like this work assignment.
3. How do I balance mental health with career pressure?
This is a real and common struggle, especially when personal responsibilitiesâlike being a parentâadd complexity. Here are a few things to reflect on:
Your mental health is foundational. You donât need to push yourself into an experience that could worsen your emotional state. If the idea of traveling abroad again feels overwhelming, itâs okay to express that to your company.
Communicate with care. Consider speaking with your HR or manager about needing time to address your well-being before taking on demanding assignments. Many companies are becoming more sensitive to employee mental health.
Check in with your values. Right now, your child and your emotional well-being seem to be deeply important to you. Ground your decisions in what truly matters to you long-term, not just in the moment.
You donât have to carry all of this alone. With professional support, many people in similar situations find clarity, strength, and a path forward that honors both their health and career.
Next Steps
Assessment for symptoms