Am I the only one who keeps saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Many people find themselves in this exact situation, pushing through exhaustion and stress while outwardly maintaining a calm facade. It's a common coping mechanism, especially in demanding professional environments where there's pressure to appear capable and resilient. This often stems from a desire to avoid burdening others or to meet perceived expectations of always being on top of things.

Research from Deloitte suggests that 77% of professionals have experienced burnout at their current job, highlighting how widespread the issue of workplace stress is.

See other perspectives

Does everyone keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Is It Weird?

Why do I keep saying 'I'm fine' when clearly overwhelmed at work?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

Like, I just turned 58 and I've been teaching third grade for thirty-five years in the same little school, the one I actually went to myself, and you’d think I’d have it all figured out by now. …

burnout denial

Like, someone was telling me this really sad, intense story the other day, about something truly awful that happened to them, and I was sitting there, nodding, making all the right noises, and inside… …

burnout denial

He’s a foreman at a big construction site down the road from where I grew up. …

burnout denial

My dad’s bistro. …

burnout denial

She's got this terrible headache, keeps rubbing her temples, but she's insisting to anyone who asks, which is usually just me, that it’s just her “seasonal allergies acting up. …

burnout denial

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I pretend to be okay when I'm swamped at work?▾
Often, pretending to be okay when swamped comes from a mix of not wanting to appear weak, fearing more work will be assigned, or believing you should handle everything yourself. There's a strong social pressure in many workplaces to always seem capable and in control, even when facing significant stress.
What are the signs I'm more overwhelmed than I admit?▾
Signs you might be more overwhelmed than you admit include persistent fatigue, trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or a general lack of enthusiasm for tasks you once enjoyed. You might also find yourself procrastinating more or making small mistakes you wouldn't usually make.
How can I start to admit I'm overwhelmed at work?▾
Starting to admit you're overwhelmed can begin with small steps, like confiding in a trusted colleague or friend outside of work. You could also try writing down specific tasks or issues that are causing stress. When ready, focus on specific challenges rather than a general 'I'm overwhelmed' when speaking with a manager.

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