Burned Out, Blah, or Just…Meh?

Connected to the Blog Post: “Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Counseling Services for Your Well-Being"

Welcome to Part 2 of our blog series based on the post, “Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Counseling Services for Your Well-Being.” That post opened up an honest conversation about those subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that we might need support—from feeling emotionally drained to just not feeling like ourselves.

This series is here to dig a little deeper into that experience, one gentle step at a time. Whether you’re just curious, feeling a little stuck, or seriously considering therapy but unsure where to start, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk through the in-between moments, the myths, the fears, and how to actually take that first step—without pressure or judgment.

So let’s start where many of us quietly find ourselves: when self-help just isn’t helping anymore.

By Estúdio Bloom - Unsplash

When Self-Help Isn’t Enough (And That’s Totally Normal)

We all have coping strategies. Some of them are amazing—journaling, working out, meditating, venting to a friend. Others are a little more “meh” (hello, doom-scrolling and avoidance), but still get us by.

At some point, though, even the good stuff stops working. You might start to notice that:

• Your go-to activities feel… dull.

• You’re constantly tired, even if you’re sleeping enough.

• You’re quicker to snap or shut down.

• You don’t really feel much anymore—just numb or flat.

• You keep thinking, “Is it supposed to be this hard?”

That last one’s a big one. You don’t have to have a clear “reason” to feel off. Sometimes our emotional capacity is stretched thin in ways we can’t see until we’re in it.

It’s Okay to Outgrow Your Own Coping Toolbox

Here’s a gentle truth: it’s not that you’re doing anything wrong—it’s that your old tools might not be enough for the load you’re carrying now.

And that’s okay.

Think of it this way: when you start out at the gym, a few stretches and body-weight movements might be enough. But eventually, as your goals or needs grow, you might need a personal trainer or a different program. Therapy is kind of like that—it helps you learn new ways to support yourself when the old ones don’t quite get the job done anymore.

Reaching out for help isn’t failure. It’s wisdom. It’s strength. It’s you saying, “Hey, I deserve more than just getting by.”

When It’s Time to Bring in a Therapist

So how do you know when to take that next step? Here are a few signs:

• You’ve tried your usual coping strategies, but you still feel stuck

• Your emotions are getting harder to manage or understand

• Your stress is starting to affect your relationships, sleep, or focus

• You find yourself thinking, “Is this just how life is now?”

If any of that sounds familiar, it might be time to consider counseling—not because things are falling apart, but because they don’t have to get to that point. Therapy is not just for crises. It’s for clarity. For support. For giving yourself space to breathe again.

Lying in a Green Field - Wix

Giving Yourself Permission

If you’re wondering whether you really need therapy, that alone might be a sign that it’s worth exploring. You don’t need a perfect reason. Feeling off is reason enough.

This is your permission slip to stop carrying the weight by yourself.

You’ve made it this far. You’ve used the tools you know. Now, it might be time to try something new—and that’s not a failure. That’s growth.

Alissa Evans, MS, Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) under the supervision of Keith A. Cates, Ph.D., LPC-S

© 2025 Alissa Evans. All rights reserved.