Burnout isn’t simply “emotional,” because it involves the entire nervous system and body. When we’re under prolonged stress, the systems that regulate our energy, focus, and resilience can become overwhelmed. This creates a cascade of effects. Our bodies may stay in a heightened state of alert, leading to physical exhaustion, disrupted sleep, digestive issues, and even immune system changes.
Burnout also affects our ability to connect with others, as our nervous system’s capacity for social engagement can shut down when it’s focused on survival. This can make us feel isolated or disconnected, which adds another layer of strain.
Burnout isn’t just something we feel, but experience deeply throughout our body, relationships, and overall well-being. Addressing it requires care that supports both the mind and body in returning to balance.
Shay Seaborne CPTSD teaches Relational Neuroscience for stress reduction, trauma recovery, and community building. Shay has studied the neurobiology of fear / trauma /PTSD since 2014 and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) since 2019. They write, speak, teach, and make art to convey their experiences as well as their understanding of the neurobiology of fear, trauma theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology concepts, and principles of trauma recovery. A native of Northern Virginia, Shay settled in Delaware to sail KALMAR NYCKEL, the state’s tall ship. But once they finally had mental health insurance, their life rapidly changed. The standard treatment for PTSD nearly killed them. The psychiatric abuse began a cascade of negative medical encounters that repeatedly caused additional harm and the development of severe Medical PTSD.
Shay wishes everyone could recognize that "mental health problems" are symptoms of dysregulation, our mainstream culture is neuro-negative, and we can heal ourselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and safe connection.
