New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Burnout can be a feeling that does not feel like exhaustion. It can also come without warning and manifest in actions such as being unable to keep up and missed deadlines, or visible stress. In fact, some of the most emotionally burned-out people can be highly functional. They can be meeting their goals, showing up for others, and continuing their responsibilities. From the outside, everything is fine, but internally things can be different.

Emotional burnout can be a quiet process. Rather than showing up with a breakdown, it can reflect as a subtle unease within yourself. This could also be a disconnect with others, and a disassociation from the way things used to be. Because the process can be subtle, the breakdown...