Why Women Over 35 Are Burning Out

By Sheena McRae Registered Psychotherapist
Women’s Therapy Centre
Virtual therapy across Ontario and most provinces in Canada

If you're a woman over 35 feeling chronically exhausted, emotionally stretched thin, or one small inconvenience away from tears, you may be experiencing burnout.

Burnout in women is rising — especially for those balancing careers, caregiving, motherhood, aging parents, and invisible emotional labour.

And no — it’s not a personal failure. It’s a systemic overload.

Why Burnout in Women Is Increasing

Women today are carrying a mental load that would make a NASA engineer sweat. You're likely juggling career demands, caretaking (kids, aging parents, or both), friendships, home management, health goals, and maybe even a pet that somehow needs CBD treats now. All while maintaining a smiling, "I've got this" exterior.

This relentless expectation to be everything to everyone has a cost. And the bill comes due in the form of:

• Chronic fatigue (even after a full night's sleep)
• Resentment toward your partner, job, or kids
• A sense of numbness or disconnection
• Anxiety and emotional overwhelm

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired — it’s emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Research shows women report higher rates of burnout and emotional exhaustion than men, linked in part to heavier workplace demands and unpaid emotional labor outside of work. 

For many women, burnout isn’t just about work. It’s about high-sacrifice roles — being the default parent, the emotional anchor in relationships, the daughter coordinating medical appointments, the professional who never drops the ball. Over time, this chronic over-functioning leads to nervous system dysregulation, resentment, and emotional shutdown.

Why the Bubble Bath Isn't Cutting It

Self-care has been rebranded into something passive and pink: bubble baths, face masks, a solo trip to the grocery store. These things aren't bad—but they don't repair the deeper fractures.

And here’s something too many women overlook: self-care isn’t just about momentary rest—it’s about consistent preventive healthcare, too. A recent Forbes article points out that many women skip routine check-ups and screenings because of time, cost, or being dismissed in clinical settings. This very gap compounds stress, physical symptoms, and emotional burnout. Giving yourself permission to show up for your own health consistently is one of the most radical self-care acts of all.

Real self-care is:

• Saying "no" without guilt
• Having boundaries that protect your peace
• Asking for help (and not apologizing for it)
• Making time for therapy, movement, rest, and joy

We know. Easier said than done. That’s why we believe that even one hour of therapy a week guarantees you at least one hour dedicated entirely to your self-support. It’s a starting point—a safe, consistent space just for you where you can explore why the rest of the care isn't happening.

The Invisible Emotional Labour Driving Burnout

From a young age, women are taught to be helpers, fixers, nurturers. Add to that social media comparison culture, workplace pressures, and the invisibility of emotional labor, and you've got a burnout cocktail served neat, daily.

Let’s be clear: burnout isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign you've been strong for too long, without support.

How to Recover from Burnout as a Woman

If you see yourself in this, it's time to pause. Really pause. And begin the work of reconnecting with your needs.

Here’s a real self-care checklist to begin with:

• Did I drink enough water today? (Yes, this matters)
• Have I eaten enough today? (Mhmm...we know how easy it is to skip breakfast...and lunch...)
• Have I moved my body in a way that feels good? (Your body needs your care)
• Have I said "no" to something I didn’t want to do?
• Have I connected with someone who sees the real me?

Burnout recovery isn’t a DIY project. When you’ve been carrying everyone else for years, it’s hard to suddenly start carrying yourself differently.

You deserve support, space, and professional care that understands high-sacrifice roles and caregiver exhaustion.

You can book a free virtual therapy consultation with a member of our team to explore what sustainable balance could look like for you.

Your needs matter. Your story matters. And it’s never too late to reclaim your well-being.

About The Author

 Sheena McRae is a Registered Psychotherapist and EMDR therapist at Women’s Therapy Centre who specializes in burnout, trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, and nervous system healing. She often supports women navigating burnout, identity shifts, and the cumulative weight of responsibilities that build over time. She provides virtual therapy across Ontario and most provinces in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burnout in Women

What are the signs of burnout in women?

Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, irritability, emotional numbness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, and resentment toward responsibilities.

Why are women more likely to experience burnout?

Women often carry disproportionate emotional labor, caregiving responsibilities, and invisible household management tasks alongside professional roles, increasing chronic stress exposure.

Is burnout the same as depression?

Burnout and depression can overlap, but burnout is typically linked to prolonged stress and role overload. A mental health professional can help differentiate.

Can therapy help with burnout?

Yes. Therapy can support boundary-setting, emotional regulation, nervous system stabilization, and addressing caregiver guilt patterns.

Burnout recovery isn’t a DIY project. You deserve support, space, and professional care.