From Burnout to Balance: A Psychologist's Story of Renewal
By Dr. Veronica Dumas, Psy.D., featured in Miami Shores Living Magazine
Published on 10/24/25
For more than 25 years, I dedicated myself to caring for others. As a clinical psychologist, a mother, an engaged member of my community, and a devoted wife, friend, daughter and sister, caring for others was more than what I did, it was who I was.
In December 2023, my world shifted. After suffering a fall while skiing, I faced 10 unforgettable hours of uncertainty, wondering if I had damaged my neck or even faced paralysis. In reality, this moment was the culmination of something I had been quietly battling for years. The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering impact on mental health had left me depleted and drained. That fall became the wake-up call that pushed me to do something I never thought I would: take a six month sabbatical.
What Does Burnout Look Like?
Burnout is not classified as a medical disorder, but the world health organization defines it as a workplace phenomenon caused by unmanaged chronic stress (WHO, 2019). Studies suggest that up to 50% of healthcare professionals will experience burnout or compassion fatigue during their careers. Burnout is not limited to work, it can also affect parents, caregivers, and relationships in general (Psychology Today).
Top 5 Signs of Burnout:
Persistent Exhaustion. Feeling constantly drained, no matter how much you rest.
Increased Mental Distance, Cynicism, and Negativity. Burnout often brings emotional withdrawal, irritability, and a sense of detachment from work or loved ones. For individuals with perfectionistic tendencies, this can be especially draining, as the drive to maintain high standards collides with diminishing motivation and mounting exhaustion.
Reduced Efficacy. A sense of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment can impact self-esteem.
Cognitive Strain. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or slower decision-making both in and out of the workplace.
Physical Symptoms. Headaches, chest pain, back aches, stomach issues or muscle tension.
Choosing Renewal
When I finally announced my sabbatical, it was excruciating. There were at least 20 reasons not to step away. Yet there was one reason that mattered most: I was running on empty and I needed to refuel.
At first, my instinct was to create a detailed to-do list for my time away. But a wise friend reminded me of the origin of the word sabbatical from Sabbath, meaning rest. I realized that healing meant allowing space, not filling it.
What Worked For Me:
Here are some of the practices that guided me back to balance:
Go On a Retreat. A six day SILENT retreat in the mountains of North Carolina brought profound restoration. Phones off, meditative walks in NATURE, yoga, several meditations per day and embarking in a deep inner journey.
Journal Daily. Inspired by Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, I began to write three pages every morning. This is an invaluable practice for emotional clarity. It helped me to reconnect with my artistic side, as well as the writer within me, who had been quietly resting in the background for so many years, and she finally stirred awake during this time of renewal.
Meditate 20 Minutes a Day (or more). Research shows mindfulness decreases stress and strengthens emotional resilience, even 20 minutes daily makes a big difference. Find a meditation teacher or simply look for meditations online. It has never been easier to find guided meditations!
Bring Art Back into Your Life. A collage/multi-media class, reawakened a forgotten part of me. Art is now one of my greatest joys, reminding me weekly that creativity is one of the greatest sources of healing and emotional nourishment. As a consequence, I have incorporated it into my practice and started a new initiative called HeArt (Healing Emotions Through Art).
Reconnect With Loved Ones. Simple, consistent moments with friends and family helped me feel rooted and supported. I was reminded of the importance of having HABITS in place: daily, weekly and monthly ones, that involve spending time with loved ones, which fills my cup.
Returning Renewed
What could have been a tragedy became one of the most transformative chapters of my life. Taking six months away from my practice allowed me to return with renewed energy, deeper gratitude, and a daily commitment to maintaining balance. If you recognize signs of burnout in your own life, do not ignore them. Talk to a trusted friend, counselor or therapist. Even small intentional breaks, whether a weekend or a single day of rest can help you recharge and reconnect with yourself.
An Invitation
If you are a caregiver or a healthcare professional experiencing burnout, I invite you to join me and two esteemed mental health colleagues for Heal The Healer: A One Day Wellness Experience on November 9th, 2025. This immersive retreat is designed for those who give so much of themselves to others, offering engaging workshops, experiential practices, and meaningful conversations that focus on addressing burnout, building coping skills and guiding participants back to balance and self renewal.
For more information visit our website at www.baypointcounselingcenter.com or follow us on Instagram. If you or a loved one is experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, or any other mental health difficulty, do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@baypointcounseling.com.
