The Burnout Doctor: Why So Many Mothers Think They're Failing (When It's Actually Burnout)

About this episode

<p><strong>Ready for a career that fits who you are now? </strong>Join my 30-day Career Pivot Challenge, starting 17th November 2026. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, explore what’s possible and turn your next move into a practical plan. <a href="https://course.motherkind.co/your-next-move-waitlist"><strong>Join the waitlist</strong></a> for first access and 30% off.</p><p>Have you ever felt like you're failing at everything?</p><p>Like you're constantly trying harder, doing more and still feeling like you're falling behind?</p><p>In this powerful Motherkind Moment, GP and burnout expert Dr Claire Ashley shares the moment she realised she wasn't failing as a mother, doctor or partner - she was experiencing burnout.</p><p>Together, Zoe and Claire unpack why so many mothers blame themselves instead of recognising the signs of burnout, how stress affects both the brain and body, and why working harder often makes things worse.</p><p>Claire shares the emotional and physical symptoms she wishes she'd recognised sooner, explains why burnout can take years to recover from, and offers practical advice for spotting the warning signs before you reach crisis point.</p><p>If you've been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or wondering why you just can't seem to cope anymore, this conversation will remind you that you're not failing - you may simply be carrying too much.</p><p><strong>💡 In this Moment, you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li><p>The early emotional and physical signs of burnout</p></li><li><p>Why so many mothers mistake burnout for personal failure</p></li><li><p>How burnout affects your brain and body</p></li><li><p>Why pushing harder can make burnout worse</p></li><li><p>The warning signs to look out for before burnout becomes a crisis</p></li><li><p>The mindset shift that can help you begin recovering sooner</p></li></ul><p><strong>Watch every full episode on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Zoe-Blaskey"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong> and subscribe.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Loved this episode?</strong></p><p>Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-burnout-doctor-it-takes-1-3-years-to-recover-from/id1295306961?i=1000696462568"><strong>The Burnout Doctor: It takes 1-3 Years to Recover From Burnout - Here’s How to Avoid It</strong></a></p><p><strong>Feeling like you’re carrying it all? </strong><a href="https://course.motherkind.co/mental-load-podcast-cheat-sheet">Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet</a> and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.</p><p><strong>Connect with Zoe:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Follow Zoe on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zoeblaskey/">Instagram</a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoelevings/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblaskeymotherkind?lang=en">TikTok</a></p></li><li><p>Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motherkind-happiest-fulfilled-empowering-podcast/dp/0008650829/ref=zg_bsnr_g_books_d_sccl_2/260-9943622-5435716?psc=1">'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at <a href="http://wildnutrition.com/motherkind">wildnutrition.com/motherkind</a>. Ts and Cs apply.</p></li></ul>