I'm feeling emotionally exhausted and possibly depressed. I recently took a solo trip abroad hoping for a break but returned feeling more empty. Now, my company is asking me to apply for a US visa for a one-month assignment.
I feel mentally unfit to be alone abroad again. My child is emotionally attached to me, and I’m already struggling with guilt and anxiety.
Can a doctor please guide me on:
1. Does this indicate depression or burnout?
2. Should I consult a psychiatrist or psychologist first?
3. How do I balance mental health with career pressure?
Answers (12)
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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
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Psychologist Response:
First of all, what you’re feeling is completely valid. When a solo trip meant to refresh you ends up leaving you more emotionally drained, it can be a sign of burnout or underlying depression—especially when the thought of another trip abroad feels more overwhelming than exciting. The heaviness you’re carrying—between your career expectations, personal guilt, and emotional connection with your child—isn’t weakness; it’s a sign that your mind and body are asking for care and pause, not more pressure.
At this point, it would be wise to consult a psychologist first, who can help you explore whether this is situational burnout or deeper clinical depression. If symptoms like constant sadness, sleep issues, irritability, or emotional numbness persist, a psychiatrist can assess if medication support is needed. To balance career and mental health, start by acknowledging your limits and communicating them without guilt. Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s how you stay strong for both your work and your child. Take therapy, and you can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Hello Sir
You do have symptoms of one of a Psychiatric illness, but there is a need for further details assessment to say whether it is Adjustment issues, Depression per se or burnout
And on the basis of that we can start you on counselling only or if needed medication
(If meds, need Not to be taken for lifetime and no dependence with it)
Next Steps
kindly consult online for further management and treatment
It indicates more of a burn out. You can consult a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, psychiatrist treats with counselling plus if needed meds, clinical psychologist do counselling. How to balance work and mental health, you can consult with the any one of the above professionals and manage
The emotional exhaustion, guilt, and anxiety you're experiencing may be signs of burnout or situational depression, especially if your recent break left you feeling more drained. These feelings are validâand more common than you might think.
Next Steps
your symptoms may indicate burnout or depressionâtherapy can help clarify and support you through it. You can start by consulting a psychologist (like myself). If needed, we can guide you to a psychiatrist. Balancing mental health and career is possibleâtherapy can help you build that clarity and strength.
Health Tips
Iâd be happy to support youâfeel free to book a session with me here on Practo.
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
I get that you are feeling in this way. I suggest you to consult psychologist first. Psychologist will able to help you with diagnosing and intervention of your concern. Also consider techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Meanwhile, Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce your anxiety. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize adequate sleep.
Next Steps
For therapy, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
Health Tips
Daily do Progressive muscle relaxation techniques to calm yourself.
Hello,
You are feeling overwhelmed and divided in your career and personal demands. It is understandable and also a struggle.
However the void you are feeling within requires attention. You are experiencing burnout.
You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Psychologist & Psychotherapist can help you smoothly navigate this phase with therapeutic interventions in counseling sessions.
Counseling sessions can help in:
- Identifying the root cause of your state of mind.
- Expressing yourself in a non judgemental space can be cathartic.
- Prioritising self care and planning one engagement at a time can help.
- Awareness of emotions and addressing them to seek clarity and heal progressively.
- Work - Life - Emotions balance to maintain a healthy momentum.
I wish you clarity, peace ,success & holistic well-being.
You can consult for further professional guidance.
Happy Healthy Living!
These could be symptoms of adjustment disorder. A detailed evaluation by a professional is necessary, whether it be a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Adjustment issues can be managed with a combination of psychotherapy, coping strategies and if needed, medication.
This seems to be burnout more ...
As to escape the professional burden you went abroad solo ... but seeing your complaint above it seems that you seek some sort of love and connection with the family (you mentioned about your child also)...
Also try to get into reason for your guilt is that because something you should have not done which was supposed to be done or something have done wrong...
Try to balance your needs over the excessive peer pressure ...
Further more you can take help from psychiatrist (meds, counselling, therapy) or psychologist (counselling and therapy) ....
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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