Burnout Is Real in Cranbrook and the Kootenays Right Now — Here’s Why You Might Be Feeling It

Feeling exhausted or emotionally drained this spring? Burnout is real and common in Cranbrook and the whole of the Kootenays, especially during this busy season. Here’s how to recognize the signs and what you can do about it...

The sun is out, the days are longer, and spring is finally here. Everything around us says it’s time to feel better, lighter, more energized. But that’s not what many people are experiencing. In fact, a lot of folks are feeling the exact opposite.

Lately, at Talking Helps Heal, we’ve been hearing from more and more people in Cranbrook and Kimberley who are saying the same thing:“I don’t know why I’m so tired. Nothing’s really wrong, but I’m just exhausted all the time.”

This kind of physical and emotional fatigue is often a sign of burnout, and spring is actually one of the most common times of year for it to show up.

Why You Might Be Burned Out This Spring

We tend to think of spring as a time of renewal, but it also brings a lot of pressure. After the quiet of winter, everything picks up — and fast.

Right now, people are navigating tax season, spring cleaning, yard work, school events, and planning for summer. If you have kids, you might be coordinating multiple sports schedules or figuring out how to manage childcare once school ends. If you’re planning a move, the house hunt is probably in full swing. For some, there’s the added stress of job changes, travel, or family dynamics.

All of that adds up quickly, especially when your energy has already been running low from the long stretch of winter.

Who Tends to Feel Burnout Most?

Burnout can affect anyone, but we know it tends to hit harder for certain groups. That includes:

• Parents and caregivers, especially of young children

• Helping professionals like teachers, nurses, therapists, and first responders

• People working multiple jobs or running their own business

• Neurodivergent individuals managing extra sensory or social demands

• Folks navigating financial stress or caregiving for aging parents

• Those living with chronic illness or pain

• Those living alone and navigating many roles

And in a small community like Cranbrook, where many people are juggling overlapping roles — parent, employee, volunteer, coach, friend — the mental load can quietly become overwhelming.

Signs You Might Be Feeling Burned Out (Even If Life Looks “Fine”)

Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it sneaks in and sticks around quietly. You might notice:

• You’re tired no matter how much you sleep

• You feel more irritable or emotionally flat than usual

• You’ve lost interest in things you usually enjoy

• Concentration feels harder, and decisions feel heavier

• You’re avoiding tasks, even the small ones

• Your body is tense, your stomach feels off, or you’ve had more headaches than usual

These are all signs that your nervous system is overloaded, not that you’re doing something wrong.

So What Can Help?

Burnout recovery isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about finding ways to step back, make space, and reconnect with what helps you feel grounded. That might include:

Letting go of something. Ask yourself: what’s one thing I could take off the list this week? Maybe it’s postponing a home project, saying no to an extra activity, or not answering emails in the evening.

Naming it. Saying “I think I’m feeling burned out” to a friend, partner, or even a co-worker can help reduce shame and open up space for support.

Restoring quiet. Our lives are noisy and overstimulating. Even just a few minutes of silence — no screens, no conversation, no expectations — can be a reset for your nervous system.

Checking your self-talk. Burnout often comes with a harsh inner critic. Try noticing if your thoughts are saying things like “you should be able to handle this,” and instead offer yourself something softer: “this is a lot, and I’m allowed to be tired.”

Talking to someone. Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments. Sometimes the most helpful thing is having a safe space to be honest, without needing to explain or justify how overwhelmed you’re feeling.

You’re Not Lazy — You’re Likely Carrying Too Much

If you’re feeling flat, short-fused, or just over it lately, you’re not alone. Burnout is common, especially in this season, and especially for people who care deeply, give a lot, and try to keep everything running.

You don’t need to wait until you crash before you get support.

At Talking Helps Heal, we support individuals, couples, and families across Cranbrook, Kimberley, and throughout BC with counselling that meets you where you’re at, whether you’re totally burned out or just starting to feel stretched too thin.

You can book a free consultation any time if you’re wondering whether counselling could help.

Jody Funk, CCC at Talking Helps Heal who is passionate about supporting people working through burnout. With a history of many years in healthcare, Jody gets it and is here to support you.