Burnout - An Unidentified Medical Object?

A recent documentary from DW highlights the prevalence,

complexities, and challenges of diagnosing and treating burnout, a syndrome that affects millions worldwide. French psychiatrist Patrick Légeron refers to burnout as an “Unidentified Medical Object”, a condition that is not yet clearly defined by the WHO. There is no standardized medical treatment, and even the diagnostic criteria remain unclear. Common symptoms may include weight gain, persistent fatigue, muscular tension (especially in the neck and shoulders), headaches, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping.

Despite the severity of these symptoms, burnout is still widely misunderstood. Many of us brush off the warning signs as nothing more than “normal” work-related wear and tear.

I know this because I was one of them.

My Personal Journey Through Burnout

For years, I managed large international regions in the biotech sector. At my peak, I was overseeing two regions on opposite sides of the globe. My days started early to meet with one set of clients and ended late with calls from the other side of the world. In between, I was constantly in transit.

When I accepted my last corporate role, I knew my body needed a month-long break before starting. But the company couldn’t wait, and I jumped straight in.

In the name of international expansion, I traveled so frequently that the staff at the Star Alliance Lounge in Houston knew me by name. On the outside, I looked successful: jet-setting around the world, working for leading companies, contributing to life-changing innovations. But on the inside, I was running on empty. Every December, I collapsed into the holidays, utterly drained. The mere thought of boarding another plane made me sick to my stomach. Within weeks, though, I was back to my relentless schedule: gone for two weeks every month, missing home, animals, and loved ones.

When I returned, people and pets got only what was left of me.

I loved my work and was deeply grateful for the opportunities I had. But when I was eventually “let go,” I finally had the space to ask myself: Was it worth it?

My answer surprised me: yes. My career shaped me, gave me invaluable experiences, and ultimately led me to where I am today: a place of reflection, gratitude, and new purpose.

My Saving Grace: Horses

Looking back, the one thing that helped me manage the overwhelming weight of burnout was horses. They’re not a cure-all, but horses have a profound ability to sense emotions, bring us back to the present moment, and reconnect us with nature and movement.

Whenever I wasn’t traveling, I spent time at the barn. With my horses, nothing else mattered. I felt alive, grounded, and free. Their honesty and presence cut through the chaos of my life.

One moment is etched in my memory: I was brushing my horse, Amigo, before a business trip. Suddenly, he froze—head high, neck rigid, eyes wide with fear. In that instant, I saw myself reflected in him: the panic, the exhaustion, the tension. Tears streamed down my face as I whispered, “Thank you.” With that recognition, my entire body shifted. He had given me a mirror, and with it, a chance to pause and heal.

What I Learned About Burnout

If you’re struggling with burnout, here’s my advice:

• Listen to your body. The warning signs are there: fatigue, pain, digestive issues, anxiety. Don’t ignore them.

• Don’t wait too long. The longer you push through, the harder recovery becomes.

• Shift from doing to being. As my friend Sandi Kimmel reminds me, “We are human beings, not human doings.”

Find practices that calm your mind and reconnect you to yourself. For me, it has always been horses. For you, it might be something else. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to make it a priority.

Experience Healing with Horses

If you’re curious about the healing power of horses, I invite you to come experience it for yourself. At Temekunga Farms, we offer equine-assisted therapy, workshops, and 1:1 sessions designed to help people reconnect, restore, and find balance.