When Burnout Isn’t Just Overwork—It’s the “BIG D” in Disguise

You’ve been powering through your workday, doing your best to meet expectations, show up with professionalism, and stay calm under pressure. But still, you feel drained. Exhausted. Like you’re failing, even when you're doing everything right. You wonder if you're just not cut out for this anymore. Before you assume it's just burnout from overwork, let’s talk about what might really be going on.

Sometimes, burnout isn't just the result of too many hours or unrealistic deadlines. Sometimes, it's the “BIG D” — Discrimination — hiding in plain sight.

Systemic bias in the workplace often masquerades as performance problems. You're told you're "not a team player," or your communication is "too aggressive," or your attitude "needs adjusting." These coded criticisms are often detached from your actual work output but are deeply rooted in unconscious (or conscious) bias. Over time, these microaggressions and biased evaluations chip away at your mental and emotional resilience. What looks like burnout is actually your body and mind reacting to a toxic environment.

This kind of stress isn’t just in your head—it’s in your nervous system. It shows up as insomnia, anxiety, headaches, panic attacks, depression, high blood pressure. These are symptoms. And the cause isn't always “working too hard.” It could be that your workplace is hostile, discriminatory, or unsafe.

When your job is harming your health, it's time to stop blaming yourself and start asking better questions:

• Is this really about my performance—or is it about power and bias?

• Am I being gaslit into silence or guilt when I raise concerns?

• Is my company following its own anti-discrimination policy—or just protecting itself?

If this sounds familiar, you need more than self-care. You need the right counsel—support that understands what you're going through and helps you navigate it strategically. Nurses, like the ones behind Glennae’s RX for Life, know that the care you give others doesn’t have to cost you your career—or your health.

Here’s what you can do:

• Stay out of the doctor’s office by getting into your policy manual. Know your rights under your employer’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.

• Document everything. If you suspect systemic bias, keep a written log of incidents and how they made you feel.

• Be in good faith—but don’t be naïve. Know when to escalate a complaint and when to seek outside help.

• Get support from professionals who get it—people who understand the emotional toll, the legal framework, and how to use your voice without risking your job.

Because medical therapy? That’s not made for career burnout rooted in injustice. That’s why Glennae’s RX for Life exists—to help you understand what’s happening, respond strategically, and protect your mind, body, and livelihood.

So the next time someone you love tells you they’re stressed about work, don’t just say “what your doctor say” Tell them to check out Glennae’s RX for Life. Their health—and their future—could depend on it.

Ready to reclaim your peace, your power, and your performance?

Take our self- assessment Glennae’s RX for Life and get the care your career deserves.

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