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Feeling Drained? Doctors Warn It Might Be Year-End Burnout; Not Fatigue

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3 hours ago

November 10, 2025

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When “Just Push Through” Stops Working

As 2025 draws to a close, many South Africans are quietly running on empty. The pressure to meet year-end deadlines, juggle family demands, and stretch salaries across a festive season that feels more expensive each year has left countless people feeling drained.

But according to mental-health experts, what many are calling “tiredness” might actually be something deeper.

Dr Thabo Mogotlane, a Specialist Psychiatrist and Addiction Physician at Mediclinic Legae, says that the exhaustion many experience in November and December is often a sign of burnout, not simply fatigue.

“Burnout and depression share similar symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and emotional distress,” he explains. “But burnout usually stems from work-related stress and can improve with rest or a change in environment. Depression, on the other hand, affects every part of life, not just work.”

When Rest Isn’t Enough

The final stretch of the year is notorious for overcommitment. Parents become event organisers, employees turn into multitasking machines, and students chase final marks. As the pace intensifies, even small frustrations can feel unbearable.

Dr Mogotlane warns that burnout can easily slip into depression if ignored. “Early intervention is crucial. Without proper support, burnout can develop into depression that requires more comprehensive treatment.”

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable: people in high-pressure jobs, caregivers, students, those with multiple responsibilities, and South Africans in lower-income brackets who face extra financial strain at year-end.

Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health

The good news is that the stigma around mental health is finally beginning to ease. “Concepts like self-care and work-life balance are now part of everyday conversation,” says Dr Mogotlane. “Social media has helped raise awareness, though it can also heighten stress through comparison.”

Mediclinic’s National Manager for Mental Health, Dr Leandri Hattingh, adds that professional help is available to anyone who feels overwhelmed. Therapy, counselling, and simple lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference before things spiral.

Small Shifts, Real Relief

Experts recommend more than just a quick getaway. Meaningful recovery requires rest, boundaries, and conscious recharging, not just a change of scenery. Taking time to disconnect from devices, saying no to excessive demands, and reaching out for professional guidance can all help prevent burnout from deepening into depression.

South Africans are resilient by nature, but resilience isn’t about running on fumes. As the year wraps up, maybe the best resolution isn’t to “finish strong,” but to pause, breathe, and finally give yourself permission to rest properly.