When 'Powering Through' Stops Working: Recognizing When You Need Professional Support
In Filipino culture, we're taught to be strong and put others first. But when 'powering through' stops working, seeking help isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Learn when burnout requires professional support.
Photo of statue with a face mask on. Taken by KJ Brix
You've always been the one others rely on. As a Filipino healthcare worker, you've learned to push through exhaustion, to smile through the pain, and to keep going no matter what. It's what you do, it's who you are.
But lately, something feels different. The strategies that used to work, the deep breaths, the extra coffee, the reminders of why you chose this profession, aren't helping anymore. You're not just tired. You're depleted in a way that sleep can't fix.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, it might be time to recognize that powering through isn't always the answer.
The Reality of Healthcare Worker Burnout in 2025
The numbers tell a sobering story. Despite improvements since the peak of the pandemic, burnout among healthcare workers remains alarmingly high. Recent data shows that 48.2% of physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in 2023, while half of all healthcare workers indicated they experienced burnout in the past year—that's 10 percentage points higher than workers in other industries (Grant Thornton, 2025; AJMC, 2025).
For nurses specifically, the statistics are even more concerning, with 52% reporting burnout in 2023 (HealthLeaders Media, 2025). And while these numbers have decreased from pandemic peaks, they remain significantly elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels of 41.9% (Grant Thornton, 2025).
The Unique Burden on Filipino Healthcare Workers
As a Filipino healthcare professional, you face additional layers of complexity that compound workplace stress. Research consistently shows that Filipino nurses experience high rates of burnout driven by structural factors including low salaries, chronic understaffing, heavy workloads, job insecurity, and delayed benefits—all while navigating the pressures of living far from family and managing cultural expectations (Alibudbud, 2023; PMC, 2023).
Nearly 4,500 positions at public hospitals in the Philippines remain vacant because certified Filipino nurses are reluctant to work there due to these challenging conditions (Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, 2023). For those who have migrated to work in other countries, the challenges don't disappear—they simply transform. Filipino internationally qualified nurses report experiencing severe homesickness, fear, burnout, and the psychological toll of being unprepared for crisis situations while adapting to new healthcare systems (ScienceDirect, 2025).
When "Powering Through" Becomes Harmful
In Filipino culture, there's a deeply ingrained value of utang na loob - a sense of obligation and indebtedness, particularly to those who have helped or sacrificed for us. For many Filipino healthcare workers, this translates into an unrelenting drive to care for others, often at the expense of caring for yourself.
You might tell yourself:
"Others have it worse"
"I should be grateful for this opportunity"
"My family sacrificed so much for me to be here"
"Rest is selfish when people need me"
These thoughts, while rooted in cultural values we hold dear, can become barriers to recognizing when you need help.
The truth is, burnout isn't just feeling tired—it's a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest alone. The World Health Organization has officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), acknowledging it as a serious workplace issue requiring professional attention (PMC, 2023).
Signs That It's Time to Seek Professional Support
How do you know when you've crossed the line from normal work stress into burnout territory? Here are the warning signs that indicate it's time to reach out for professional help:
1. Your Body Is Telling You Something's Wrong
Burnout manifests physically. You might experience:
Chronic fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Frequent headaches or gastrointestinal issues
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping too much)
Increased susceptibility to colds and infections
Physical tension, muscle aches, or unexplained pain
Research shows that work overload among healthcare workers creates 2.2 to 2.9 times the risk of experiencing burnout, with significant downstream effects on physical health (American Medical Association, 2023).
2. You're Emotionally Exhausted—and Starting to Detach
One of the hallmark signs of burnout is emotional exhaustion coupled with depersonalization. You might notice:
Feeling emotionally drained, even at the start of your shift
Developing a cynical or detached attitude toward patients
Finding it difficult to empathize or connect with those you're caring for
Feeling like you're just going through the motions
Dreading going to work or hoping patients won't show up
This emotional numbing is your psyche's way of protecting itself from overwhelming stress—but it's also a clear signal that intervention is needed.
3. Your Performance at Work Is Suffering
Burnout affects your ability to do your job effectively. Warning signs include:
Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
Making more mistakes than usual
Forgetting appointments or important tasks
Struggling to make decisions
Feeling incompetent or doubting your skills (imposter syndrome)
Studies show that healthcare worker burnout significantly impacts patient safety, leading to increased medical errors and compromised quality of care (HHS.gov, 2025).
4. Your Mental Health Is Declining
Burnout often co-occurs with or can lead to other mental health conditions:
Persistent anxiety or panic attacks
Feeling hopeless or depressed
Increased irritability or anger
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Social withdrawal from friends and family
Research among Swedish healthcare workers found that one in five reported high burnout symptoms during crisis periods, and those with high burnout were significantly more likely to experience depressive symptoms at follow-up assessments (PubMed, 2024).
5. Your Relationships Are Suffering
When burnout takes hold, it doesn't stay at work. You might notice:
Increased conflicts with colleagues, friends, or family
Withdrawing from social connections
Feeling like you have nothing left to give to loved ones
Your partner or family expressing concern about changes in your behavior
Isolating yourself rather than seeking support
6. You're Coping in Unhealthy Ways
Pay attention to changes in your coping mechanisms:
Increased alcohol or substance use
Emotional eating or loss of appetite
Excessive screen time or escapist behaviors
Self-medicating to manage stress or sleep
Risky behaviors that are out of character
7. Cultural Guilt Is Intensifying
For Filipino healthcare workers, burnout often comes with a specific type of cultural guilt:
Feeling ashamed for struggling when you "should" be strong
Believing that seeking help means you're weak or ungrateful
Worrying about disappointing your family or community
Feeling like you're failing to honor the sacrifices others made for you
Hesitating to set boundaries because it feels selfish
Why Professional Support Matters
You might be wondering: "Why can't I just talk to friends or family about this?" While social support is valuable and important, professional mental health support offers something different—and research shows it's particularly effective for healthcare workers experiencing burnout.
Therapy Provides Specialized Tools
A therapist who specializes in burnout and healthcare worker mental health can offer evidence-based interventions specifically designed to address your symptoms:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you handle difficult thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them, allowing you to take action aligned with your values even in the presence of stress.
Mindful Self-Compassion teaches you to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer your patients, helping to soften self-criticism and ease the cultural guilt many Filipino healthcare workers experience around self-care.
EMDR Therapy can help process traumatic or highly stressful experiences from your healthcare work that continue to impact your wellbeing, using gentle techniques to reprocess difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming.
Therapy Offers a Confidential Space
Unlike talking to colleagues who might judge your competence or family members who might worry, therapy provides a confidential space where:
You can be completely honest about your struggles
There's no pressure to protect others' feelings
You won't be judged for needing help
Your concerns won't affect your professional reputation
You can explore complex emotions without guilt
Therapy Addresses Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
While self-care practices like exercise and meditation are helpful, they often address symptoms rather than underlying causes. Therapy helps you:
Identify and change thought patterns that contribute to burnout
Develop sustainable coping strategies specific to your situation
Process trauma or difficult experiences that fuel your stress
Address systemic issues in how you relate to work and self-care
Build resilience for long-term wellbeing
Research shows that Filipino nurses who reported access to workplace psychosocial support interventions had significantly lower burnout scores than those without such support (PMC, 2025).
The Cultural Barrier: Why Filipino Healthcare Workers Hesitate to Seek Help
Despite the clear need, many Filipino healthcare workers face unique barriers to seeking mental health support:
Stigma Around Mental Health
In many Filipino families and communities, there remains a stigma around mental health issues. You might worry:
"What will people think if they find out I'm in therapy?"
"Will this affect my nursing license or job opportunities?"
"Does seeking help mean I'm not cut out for this work?"
The reality is that seeking professional support is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness. Many of the most effective healthcare professionals prioritize their own mental health precisely because they understand its importance.
The "Strong One" Identity
You may have been told your whole life that you're strong, resilient, capable. The idea of admitting you're struggling can feel like betraying this identity. But true strength includes knowing when to ask for help and having the courage to prioritize your wellbeing.
Financial Concerns
Mental health services can be expensive, and you might feel guilty spending money on yourself when you're supporting family members or paying off educational debt. However, consider this an investment in your ability to continue in your profession long-term. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, and insurance often covers mental health services.
Cultural Values Around Self-Sacrifice
The Filipino value of kapwa (shared identity) and putting others first is beautiful, but it shouldn't mean completely neglecting yourself. Remember: you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health enables you to continue caring for others sustainably.
What Happens If You Don't Seek Help?
Left unaddressed, burnout doesn't just stay the same—it gets worse. Research shows that healthcare workers with high burnout symptoms are:
1.7 to 2.1 times more likely to intend to leave their jobs within two years (AMA, 2023)
At significantly higher risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders
More vulnerable to substance use disorders
At increased risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions
More likely to experience relationship breakdowns and social isolation
For Filipino healthcare workers specifically, unaddressed burnout contributes to the ongoing cycle of resignation, professional change, and migration—exacerbating both personal suffering and the global shortage of healthcare professionals (Alibudbud, 2023).
Taking the First Step
Recognizing that you need help is often the hardest part. If you've identified with multiple signs in this article, consider these concrete next steps:
1. Acknowledge What You're Experiencing
Give yourself permission to name what's happening: "I'm experiencing burnout, and that's okay. It doesn't mean I'm weak or failing."
2. Talk to Someone You Trust
Before seeking professional help, it can be helpful to confide in a trusted friend, family member, or colleague who can validate your experience and encourage you to take the next step.
3. Research Therapists Who Specialize in Your Experience
Look for mental health professionals who:
Have experience working with healthcare workers
Understand cultural considerations for Filipino clients
Specialize in burnout treatment
Offer evidence-based approaches like ACT, EMDR, or Mindful Self-Compassion
4. Schedule a Consultation
Most therapists offer initial consultations where you can:
Share what you're experiencing
Ask questions about their approach
Determine if you're a good fit to work together
Discuss practical concerns like scheduling and fees
5. Commit to the Process
Therapy is most effective when you give it time and engage fully. Commit to:
Attending sessions regularly
Being honest about your experiences
Practicing strategies between sessions
Giving yourself grace as you navigate the process
A Message to Filipino Healthcare Workers
You left your home, your family, your comfort zone to pursue this calling. You've endured long hours, difficult conditions, and the weight of caring for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. You've been strong for so long.
But being strong doesn't mean doing it all alone. Seeking professional support isn't giving up on your strength—it's an act of wisdom and self-preservation. It's recognizing that you deserve the same quality of care you provide to others.
Your mental health matters. Your wellbeing matters. You matter—not just for what you do for others, but for who you are.
The cultural values of malasakit (compassionate care) and bayanihan (community support) that we hold dear should extend to ourselves as well. By seeking help when you need it, you're not only caring for yourself—you're modeling healthy behavior for others in your community and ensuring you can continue serving in this profession for years to come.
When to Act: There's No "Right Time"
Many people wait for the "right time" to seek therapy—when things get bad enough, when they have more time, when finances improve. But there's no perfect moment, and waiting often allows burnout to deepen.
If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds like me, but I'm not sure if it's bad enough yet," consider this: you don't need to be in crisis to deserve support. Preventive mental health care is just as important as treating existing problems.
The best time to seek help is now—before burnout becomes unbearable, before it affects your health irreversibly, before you make decisions from a place of depletion rather than clarity.
Resources
US Surgeon General's Advisory on Healthcare Worker Burnout
National Academy of Medicine - Clinician Well-Being Resources
American Medical Association - Combating Burnout Resources
Final Thoughts
Powering through has gotten you far. It's helped you survive difficult circumstances, complete your education, build your career, and support your loved ones. It's a valuable skill, but it's not meant to be your only strategy.
Recognizing when powering through stops working isn't failure. It's wisdom. It's growth. It's choosing sustainability over exhaustion.
You've spent your career learning to recognize when your patients need intervention. Now it's time to apply that same clinical judgment to yourself.
Your wellbeing matters. Help is available. You don't have to do this alone.
If you're a Filipino healthcare worker experiencing burnout and you're ready to explore professional support, I invite you to book a Mutual Fit call. Together, we can work toward helping you feel restored, reconnected, and able to thrive—not just survive—in both your work and personal life.
References
Alibudbud, R. (2023). Addressing the Burnout and Shortage of Nurses in the Philippines. SAGE Open Nursing, 9. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608231195737
American Medical Association. (2023). Work overload triples the risk of burnout in health care. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/work-overload-triples-risk-burnout-health-care
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. (2023). Advancing Filipino Healthcare: The Plight of Filipino Nurses in a Postpandemic World. Creative Nursing.
Grant Thornton. (2025). Transforming burnout into growth for healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.grantthornton.com/insights/articles/health-care/2025/burnout-solutions-in-healthcare
HealthLeaders Media. (2025). Where Burnout Rates Are Trending Among Healthcare Professions. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
Mohr, D.C., et al. (2025). Burnout Trends Among US Health Care Workers. JAMA Network Open, 8(4), e255954.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Health Worker Burnout. Office of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/health-worker-burnout
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call your local emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.