Before COVID, I had a great career as a manager, juggling work and family life with no problem. But things changed. The pressure at work got intense, and I pushed myself too hard. I worked long hours, neglected myself, and lost interest in the things I loved. Work stress started affecting everything. I didn't realise it then, but I was taking it out on loved ones.

The stress reached a breaking point, affecting my relationships and health. I had headaches, fatigue, and became easily annoyed. It was really hard for me to admit it, but I knew I needed help. I snapped at people for no reason and couldn't keep going alone. Reaching out for support felt scary, but I opened up to friends and family.

Therapy wasn't easy. Talking about my feelings honestly was uncomfortable at first. But slowly, I felt safe, and it made a huge difference in my life.

I learned coping skills to manage stress. Now, I even speak publicly about mental health to raise awareness and show it's okay to ask for help.

The biggest change? I stopped beating myself up and started focusing on self-care. I set boundaries and prioritised my well-being, finding balance again. Therapy helped me discover mindfulness meditation, yoga, and spending quality time with loved ones – all became essential for healing.

Working on myself wasn't easy, but I'm grateful for what I've learned. It's a journey, not a destination. I still struggle sometimes, but I'm not letting it stop me from living a happy life.

If you're struggling with burnout or stress, know that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor, or explore online options like online therapy sessions.