The Imperfects Hugh van Cuylenburg - This Is Burnout
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Sep 30, 2025 Hugh opens up about his intense burnout and the overwhelming pressures he's facing. He shares his fantasy of needing a hospital stay to rest, revealing the weight of work and parenting during a challenging year. Discussing clear symptoms like constant exhaustion and irritability, he reflects on the difficulty of asking for help. The team brainstorms ways to lighten his load while emphasizing small acts of kindness that can make a difference. Ultimately, they rally around Hugh, encouraging open conversation about mental health.
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Burnout Confession And The 'Hospital' Fantasy
- Hugh admits he is currently completely burnt out and felt triggered by a colleague's story about wanting to be in a car crash to justify rest.
- He clarifies he has no suicidal intent but desperately craves a guilt-free period to lie down and stop obligations.
Life Stressors Stacking Up
- Hugh lists major contributors: parenting a neurodivergent child with sleep issues, heavy work commitments, and moving house multiple times.
- He describes a recent extreme stress episode in June that made him search symptoms and realise his burnout severity.
Naming Burnout By Its Symptoms
- Hugh reads seven burnout symptoms and realises he ticks them all: exhaustion, withdrawal, low motivation, irritability, poor focus, physical illness, reduced accomplishment.
- Seeing the list helped him name his experience and accept that he is in an extreme burnout state.