Relationship Burnout In High-Performing Couples

Many high-performing couples look from the outside like they have it all – successful careers, busy social lives and an enviable home. Yet behind closed doors, a creeping sense of emotional exhaustion can settle in. Intimacy wanes, tempers shorten and conversations are reduced to logistics.

This pattern, often called relationship burnout, reflects a mismatch between relentless external demands and the need for warmth, play and rest. In this article, we outline early signs to watch for and simple rituals that fit into busy weeks. If you are in Sydney, particularly the Eastern Suburbs, this may feel especially relevant.

What burnout looks like when life is “successful”

Relationship burnout can show up subtly at first. You may notice irritability over small things or a sense of living parallel lives. Chatting becomes mostly about schedules – school pickups, client meetings, paying the rates – while deeper conversations are put on hold. Physical touch is avoided or perfunctory and weekends become about recovery rather than connection.

Another clue is the spill-over of work stress into home life. Phones at the dinner table, late-night emails and a constant sense of urgency crowd out shared downtime. When one or both partners are always “on”, it becomes hard to be emotionally present. If these patterns sound familiar, resources like the Head to Health relationship stress page or the Beyond Blue stress and anxiety overview offer practical ways to recognise and manage stress.

Why high performers drift into flat mate mode

Burnout is not simply fatigue; it is a state of feeling emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted from excessive demands. Emotional exhaustion describes the feeling of being drained by ongoing pressure and lacking the capacity to engage with others. When both partners are high achievers, the drivers of burnout multiply – over-scheduling, perfectionism, constant travel and the invisible mental load of home management.

Perfectionism fuels long hours at the office and an unwillingness to delegate. Devices blur the line between work and home. Frequent flights or out-of-hours commitments interrupt shared routines. An unequal mental load, where one partner carries more of the domestic or emotional labour, can lead to resentment. Even with good intentions, couples miss each other’s bids for connection. The Black Dog Institute burnout information explains that early intervention can prevent exhaustion from becoming entrenched.

Weekly rituals that rebuild energy and closeness

Small, scheduled rituals often do more than grand gestures to rekindle closeness. They create reliable moments where partners can reconnect, share feelings and reset the tone of the week.

Ritual	When	Duration	What it looks like	Notes
Sunday reset	Sun 6 pm	15 min	roster + two touchpoints	phones away
Micro check-in	Tue or Thu 8 pm	10 min	feelings + plan tomorrow	basket for phones
Touch ritual	Daily return	1–2 min	hug + “good to see you”	skip if unwell

Sunday reset (15 minutes): Set aside a short window on Sunday evening to review the week ahead. Discuss essential tasks and agree on two shared touchpoints. You might say, “Two check-ins this week – Tuesday 8 pm and Saturday coffee?” This mutual agreement creates anticipation and respect for each other’s time.

Two micro check-ins (10 minutes each): During the week, drop your phones into a basket, sit together and ask two simple questions: “How are you, really?” and “What would help tomorrow?” These check-ins are not for problem-solving; they are for listening and feeling seen.

Repair after a snappy moment: Everyone gets tired and short-tempered sometimes. A quick repair prevents lingering hurt. Try, “I was short earlier. I am sorry. I am tired and protective of time with you.” Naming it, owning it and moving on helps reset the mood.

Touch ritual: When one of you walks in the door, pause for a brief hug or gentle touch. Use consent-first language like “Would you like a hug?” This small gesture signals that you are on the same team.

Device sunset twice a week: Agree to place phones face-down after 8 pm on two evenings. Share a low-effort activity such as a walk, a board game or watching a favourite show. This ritual protects your time together from digital intrusion.

When to seek support in the Eastern Suburbs

Burnout does not always resolve with self-care. Seek professional support when you notice contempt or stonewalling, repeated blow-ups, months without intimacy or constant fatigue despite resting. Couples therapy offers a neutral map of pressure points, helps to rebalance tasks, provides scripts for boundaries and repairs and fosters gentle intimacy rebuilds.

In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, our clinic understands the pressures that come with high-performance careers and busy family life. A therapist can help you identify patterns, prioritise connection and rebuild trust. If you are curious about starting Couples Therapy or simply want to ask a question, our Contact page is a welcoming first step.

Next steps

Take a moment together to ask, “What is one small ritual we will try this week to feel like partners again?” Write it down and commit to it. Change begins with small, consistent actions.

If this feels familiar, support is available and you do not have to do this alone. We are here to help you reconnect with your partner and yourself. Booking a session via our Contact page or exploring our Couples Therapy pathway can be the start of a calmer, more connected life.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/relationship-burnout-in-high-performing-couples/

Executive Parents, Anxious Teens: How to Support Your Teen Without Adding to the Pressure

High-achieving executive parents often want the very best for their teens. Many families in Sydney’s selective and private school system hold high hopes while juggling demanding careers and HSC schedules. In homes like these, conversations about marks, ranking and ATARs can sometimes feel more like performance reviews than supportive chats.

Competitive school environments – NAPLAN scores, co-curricular achievements, scholarships and selective high school placements – add to the mix. It’s no wonder many teenagers feel pressure to live up to the standard they see at home and at school.

This article explores why young people feel so weighed down, how anxiety shows up, how to talk about marks and future plans in ways that reduce anxiety, and when it might be time to seek professional support.

Where the pressure comes from

Executive parents often build their success on hard work and high standards, and that mindset can seep into family life. Questions such as “what ATAR are you aiming for?” or “did you top the class?” leave teenagers feeling judged even when parents mean to encourage.

Teachers, coaches and relatives praise marks and trophies. Social media is filled with perfect report cards and university offers. Being surrounded by high achievers brings constant comparisons with peers, siblings and cousins. In Sydney’s selective and private schools the path from NAPLAN to HSC can feel like a conveyor belt.

Parents rarely intend harm; they may be offering opportunities they never had. Yet the more adults talk about exams and futures, the more young people can feel trapped. Exam and future worries, as noted in information from Beyond Blue, add to teen anxiety. Recognising these cultural pressures helps parents decide what truly matters.

High achievers also carry stories from their own upbringing. Perhaps they were told education was the only path out of hardship or that topping the class meant security. These beliefs can lead parents to worry about wasting tuition fees or missing opportunities. Without meaning to, they might make remarks like “we’re investing so much” or compare their teen’s results with others, not realising the pressure this creates.

How anxiety can show up in teens

Anxiety isn’t always obvious. Some young people over-study or procrastinate. Others develop physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches or trouble sleeping but say nothing to avoid disappointment.

You might notice irritability, tears over small mistakes or withdrawal from family activities. Perfectionism can drive teens to hide results they judge as less than perfect. Anxiety can also lead to school refusal or avoidance of classes.

Normal stress before an exam is expected, but worry that lasts for weeks, interferes with eating or sleep or causes avoidance is a warning sign. Guides from Raising Children Network explain that anxiety may show up as physical symptoms, irritability and withdrawal, and that teens often hide how overwhelmed they feel. Paying attention to these subtle changes can signal they need support.

Talking about marks without making anxiety worse

Conversations about tests, marks and reports don’t have to feel like interrogations. Start with curiosity. Ask “how are you feeling about this subject?” rather than “what mark did you get?”. Listen before giving advice. Focus on effort, learning and wellbeing rather than outcomes. Praise persistence and critical thinking. Keep your own stress about school fees or prestige out of the conversation. Use regular low-pressure check-ins rather than only talking when something goes wrong.

Language matters. Try “tell me what you found interesting” or “how could we make this less stressful?” instead of “are you going to top the class?”. Remind your teen that everyone learns at a different pace and that your love doesn’t change with results. Advice from ReachOut suggests focusing on effort and avoiding comparisons; keeping perspective helps teens understand that exams are not the only measure of success.

It can also help to agree on scripts for sticky moments. If a report comes home with mixed results, try “I’m proud of the effort you put in here; what do you think helped and what didn’t?” or “let’s work out a plan together for the next assignment”. If your teen admits to procrastination, swap judgment for problem solving: “what got in the way?” followed by “how can I support you?”. Honest conversations build trust and reduce fear.

Talking about careers and the future more gently

When adults ask Year 9 students about their future careers, teens can feel like the rest of their life is already mapped out. Early focus on salaries and status can fuel anxiety in young people still working out who they are.

Shift the conversation to interests and values. Ask what subjects make them curious or what they enjoy when no one is watching. Present careers as journeys with many paths. Share your own career twists and pivots so teens see that life is flexible. Instead of ranking dream jobs by prestige, ask what problems they want to solve or what impact they hope to make.

Encourage your teen to explore interests outside academia. Volunteering, part-time work, creative arts and sports all teach valuable skills and can reveal passions that don’t show up on a report card. When teens see a variety of paths – trades, universities, gap years, internships – they are less likely to think there is only one way to succeed.

Shifting from “performance team” to “support team” at home

Small adjustments at home lead to big shifts in wellbeing. Regular check-in chats that cover mood, friendships, sleep and screen time – not just homework – help teens feel heard. Protect downtime, hobbies and social connection. Model healthy boundaries by putting away laptops, prioritising family meals and taking breaks. Adopt the 70 per cent rule: accept “good enough” so tasks, assignments and chores can be shared rather than graded.

Headspace emphasises staying active, using positive self-talk, practising relaxation techniques and getting enough sleep. Incorporate these habits by walking together, cooking healthy meals, doing a short breathing exercise before dinner or keeping a consistent bedtime. When the whole household commits to healthy routines, teens are more likely to follow.

Make space for decompression. Overscheduling every afternoon with tutoring and co-curriculars leaves no room for breathing. Schedule blank evenings where nothing is expected. Encourage digital downtime by having device-free dinners or a family rule about turning off phones by a certain time. When parents model this by putting their own phones away, it sets a powerful example.

When to consider teen or family therapy

Sometimes anxiety builds despite your best efforts. If a teenager’s low mood, irritability or worry lasts for weeks and starts to affect school, friendships or family life, it may be time for professional support. School refusal, declining marks, persistent sleep or appetite changes, headaches or stomach pains without a medical cause are other warning signs.

Frequent conflict at home about homework, marks and expectations can also signal that family dynamics need attention. Therapy is not a failure. In teen therapy, your child can speak with a neutral, confidential ally and learn strategies to manage anxious thoughts and challenge perfectionism. Family sessions invite parents and children to map out expectations and improve communication. Our clinical psychologists in Edgecliff offer compassionate teen and family therapy tailored to high-achieving families in Sydney.

In therapy, confidentiality is paramount. Your teen can share worries without fear of judgement. You can also learn new ways to communicate, set realistic expectations and repair after conflict. Seeking help early prevents patterns from becoming entrenched and shows your child that mental health is as important as physical health.

Safety and help-seeking note

If you’re worried that your teen might be at risk of harming themselves or others, don’t delay seeking urgent help. Call Triple Zero (000) or attend your nearest emergency department. You can also contact crisis services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) for immediate advice. Arrange a GP appointment so your family can be linked with appropriate mental health support.

Conclusion and call to action

Supporting a teenager through Sydney’s competitive school system is no small task. You can maintain ambition and care about marks while protecting your child’s mental health. Start by looking at where pressure comes from, noticing the signs of anxiety and changing the way you talk about marks and the future.

Reflect on one small change you could make this week. Perhaps you’ll ask your teen what they enjoyed in a lesson instead of what they scored. Maybe you’ll share your own career detours or agree to take a walk together after dinner. Small, consistent shifts create a more supportive home environment.

If you recognise your family in this article and would like guidance, you don’t have to do it alone. Please contact Armchair Psychology to book an appointment with our team. Together, we can help your teenager thrive without overwhelming pressure.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/executive-parents-anxious-teens-how-to-support-your-teen-without-adding-to-the-pressure/

The “Second Shift” For Power Couples: Rebalancing The Invisible Mental Load At Home

The second shift isn’t just a term; it’s an experience for many dual-career couples in Sydney. After full days in demanding jobs, partners come home to unseen tasks like planning meals, checking school notes and keeping in touch with ageing parents. There are practical ways to share this load without starting fights. This guide offers friendly steps and scripts to turn invisible work into visible, shared agreements.

What’s going on for dual-career couples

For many couples who both have full-time careers, the to-do list at home remains hidden. It’s normal to feel a cluttered mind, give repeated reminders and feel simmering resentment. You might hear yourself saying, “Did you pay the school fees?” or “We need to call your mother” while making dinner.

When you notice this pattern, it can help to read guidance such as Head to Health guidance on relationship stress. These tools normalise the pressure and show you that you’re not alone. Knowing that other couples experience the same tension can ease self-blame and open space for change.

Why the mental load builds up

The mental load is the cognitive work of planning, tracking and anticipating tasks. It isn’t about who does the dishes but who remembers when they need doing. A working parent might be in a meeting while mentally checking if the kids have clean uniforms for tomorrow.

Assumptions creep in. You might think you’ll do it faster, that your partner is better at school admin or that your meetings matter more. Over time, these beliefs harden into roles and one person becomes the default planner. Unspoken rules can breed resentment when one person always keeps track of birthdays, bin night or the grocery list.

The load spikes during kindy years, final school exams and when caring for ageing parents. When stress builds, it can affect mood and relationships. For an overview, see Beyond Blue’s stress and anxiety overview for practical information about signs and supports.

What helps this week: rosters, scripts and small rituals

Turning invisible work into visible, shared agreements can lighten the load right away. A simple roster and check-in rituals make tasks clear and fair.

Shared task roster — one week view

Area	Typical tasks	Who leads	When	Check-in note
School admin	Forms, lunch plan, events	Name	Day/time	“Done/needs help”
Home running	Groceries, meals, bins, laundry	Name	Day/time	“Swap if late”
Care duties	Parent calls, appointments	Name	Day/time	“Escalate if urgent”
Life admin	Bills, insurance, renewals	Name	Day/time	“5-minute audit”

Leads rotate fortnightly. Swap early if work ramps up.

Every Sunday night, spend five minutes together to reset the roster. Write three areas and choose one lead for each. Rotate roles weekly or fortnightly so everyone gets a break and no one is stuck as the permanent organiser.

At breakfast or before you log on, take two minutes to discuss what’s due today. Mention any swaps needed and share one appreciation line. Regular check-ins mean fewer surprises later.

Apply the 70 per cent rule. Accept ‘good enough’ so tasks can be shared, not graded. A simple lunch, a basic laundry load or an imperfect note to school are still wins. Perfectionism keeps the mental load stuck with one partner.

When ageing parents add load, use a shared log and pre-book call windows. One of you might book Mum’s GP appointment while the other handles pharmacy and paperwork.

Here are a few scripts to help these conversations feel kind and clear:

• If you feel overloaded: “I’m getting overwhelmed by the invisible bits – can we list them and pick who leads this week?”
• To swap without blaming: “My Tuesday blew out. Can you take school forms today if I handle bins and dinner?”
• To reset standards: “Let’s agree on good-enough for lunches so it’s shareable.”
• For elder-care coordination: “I’ll book Mum’s GP and transport if you handle pharmacy and paperwork.”

If you’re caring for ageing parents, the Carer Gateway information for ageing parents can connect you with respite, counselling and advice. For structured support in your relationship, our Couples Therapy offers strategies tailored to dual-career couples.

When resentment means it’s time to get support

Sometimes the little things build into big feelings. Circular arguments, score-keeping, stonewalling or contempt are signs the mental load has turned into resentment.

Persistent fatigue and a sense that you’re roommates rather than partners can signal it’s time for help. You deserve support before exhaustion leads to burnout. Therapy offers a neutral ground where both partners can speak without interruption.

A clinician can map tasks, teach boundary scripts and guide you in repairing after conflict. In the Eastern Suburbs, our sessions are local and discreet. We focus on practical changes that honour both careers and keep your home running smoothly.

Support is available and you don’t have to do this alone. Contact us to learn more about how we can work together.

Next steps

What is one invisible task you’ll turn into a shared plan this week? Write it down and add it to your roster. A small commitment like a five-minute roster reset or your first couples session can lead to long-term ease and connection.

Ready to make a change? Our Couples Therapy can help you build fairer systems at home. Contact us today.

If you’re struggling, support is available and you don’t have to do this alone.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/the-second-shift-for-power-couples-rebalancing-the-invisible-mental-load-at-home/

Juggling Family & Work in High-Pressure Roles

Can you can close million-dollar deals, but somehow become defeated by homework battles?

There are skills that don’t translate. Control. Efficiency. Measurable outcomes. These make you brilliant at work. At home? They create tension and guilt. Your teenager has their own timeline. Your partner needs flexibility, not project management. Your family can’t be “optimized.”

When you apply workplace logic to home life, everyone loses.

The mental load nobody sees. Birthdays. Childcare. Budgets. School pickups. Medical appointments. Meal planning. Someone’s tracking it all – and in dual-career households, that load usually falls unfairly on one person.

For high achievers used to meritocracy, this invisible inequality is hard to stomach.And resentment builds when one person carries the cognitive burden while both work full-time jobs.

There are strategies that actually work. Pick three daily home priorities. Just three. Everything else can wait.

Use your listening skills at home. The empathy you show difficult clients? Your family deserves that too. Create systems: shared calendars, Sunday meal prep, weekly family meetings. Systems reduce mental load.

Switch off work notifications during family time. Being fully present for thirty minutes beats being half-present all evening.

Schedule couple time like it’s a board meeting. A Sunday coffee date or regular picnic becomes an anchor when everything else feels chaotic.

Here’s what matters. Your family loves you for who you are, not your achievements. Taking off the perfectionist mask at home actually brings you closer.

Our couple’s therapy and family therapy services provide practical tools for busy families navigating high-pressure lives. Seeking support isn’t failure – it’s valuing your relationships enough to invest in them.

For stress management strategies, explore Beyond Blue and Healthdirect mental health resources.

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/juggling-family-work-in-high-pressure-roles/

Mental Health for High-Performing Professionals

You didn’t climb to where you are by accident. But here’s what nobody tells you: the same drive that fuels your success can quietly sabotage your well being.

When does your success becomes a burden? When you set impossibly high standards. You take on more than humanly reasonable. When rest feels like weakness. Sound familiar? Research shows A-grade performers are four times more likely to develop mental health issues, and CEOs face double the depression risk of the general population.

The cruel irony? Impostor syndrome whispers that you’re one mistake away from being “found out” – despite all the evidence proving otherwise.So you feel the need to work harder and harder.

There are no doubt warning signs that you’re ignoring. Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. Irritability at home that you’d never show at work. Decision paralysis. That hollow feeling when you should be celebrating wins. Or needing three coffees before noon, then alcohol to “switch off” at night.

Because you’ve built your identity on resilience, you push through until you can’t anymore.

So what actually works ? Rest isn’t indulgence – it’s strategy. Treat recovery time as if it’s as non-negotiable as your morning meetings. Delegate without guilt; it frees you to focus on what truly matters. Even five minutes of deep breathing lowers stress hormones more effectively than scrolling your phone.

Switch off email notifications after 7pm. Build support networks. Talk to someone who understands high-performance pressure.

At Armchair Psychology we work with busy professionals who need practical strategies that fit into demanding lives. Our corporate services help create mentally healthy workplaces where success doesn’t come at the cost of well being.

For evidence-based resources, please visit the Black Dog Institute or Australian Psychological Society

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/mental-health-for-high-performing-professionals/

End of Year Depression: Why December Feels Different

In Australia, mental health care is a right, not a privilege. The Medicare Better Access program allows eligible adults to receive subsidised psychology For many high performers, the approach of December brings unexpected emotions. Despite the festive marketing and social gatherings, you might feel empty, disconnected or on the verge of tears. This isn’t just about Christmas stress — it can be a predictable response to sustained pressure and a sign that your nervous system is asking you to slow down.

Why depression spikes at year end. After months of running on adrenaline, your brain is depleted. Social expectations — to be cheerful, grateful or “on top of everything” — add another layer of stress. Financial pressures, project deadlines and the urge to finish strong may cause you to push harder when you have nothing left to give. High achievers also tend to compare their behind‑the‑scenes struggles with others’ highlight reels, particularly on social media. This comparison fuels feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Unprocessed emotions from earlier in the year may resurface, leaving you wondering why you’re feeling low when you “should” be happy.

Recognising the signs. Depression isn’t simply “feeling sad.” It’s a condition that affects your mood, thoughts and physical health. Common signs include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, irritability, difficulty concentrating and feelings of hopelessness or guilt. Some people also experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems. High performers often mask these signs by staying busy, but the symptoms remain under the surface.

What you can do. Managing end of year depression involves both self care and professional support. Consider:

• Acknowledging your feelings without judgement. It’s okay to not feel festive. Naming your emotions can be relieving.
• Maintaining routines such as regular sleep, balanced nutrition and gentle exercise. Physical health and mental health are intertwined.
• Setting realistic expectations for your work and family commitments. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay.
• Reaching out to someone you trust to share how you’re feeling. Isolation makes depression worse; connection helps.
• Seeking professional help when needed. Therapy provides a confidential space to understand your experience and develop coping strategies.

Depression does not make you weak; acknowledging it is a sign of courage. Many high achievers are reluctant to ask for help because they fear being judged, but mental health issues are common and treatable. By talking to someone you trust, investing in therapy or even joining a support group, you will learn that you’re not alone. Planning small joys and moments of rest throughout December can also shift your mood. If you’re concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately. Reaching out is a strong and responsible step.

Our adult therapy and family therapy services support individuals and families through difficult seasons. For reliable information about depression and self help strategies, visit Beyond Blue or Healthdirect.

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/end-of-year-depression-why-december-feels-different/

Use Your Remaining Medicare Sessions Before Year End

In Australia, mental health care is a right, not a privilege. The Medicare Better Access program allows eligible adults to receive subsidised psychological therapy each calendar year. These sessions reset every 1 January, and unused appointments don’t give you more the following year. If you still have sessions available in 2025, now is the time to use them — your well being shouldn’t wait until next year.

How the program works. To access subsidised psychology sessions, you first see your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan. This brief assessment involves discussing how you’re feeling and what goals you hope to achieve. Your doctor then refers you to a psychologist of your choice. Currently, Australians can claim rebates for up to ten sessions with a registered psychologist per year. Rebates cover a portion of the fee; general psychologists attract rebates around $98.95 per session and clinical psychologists around $145.25. Over ten sessions, that’s up to $1,452.50 towards your mental health — funds that many people leave unused each year.

Why use sessions now. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and prepare for a more balanced 2026. Medicare‑funded sessions can help you:

• Manage end‑of‑year work stress so you can actually enjoy your holidays.
• Prepare for challenging family dynamics over Christmas or other celebrations.
• Develop skills to set healthier boundaries and prevent burnout.
• Identify patterns that may be holding you back and plan for positive change in the new year.

How to get started. The process is simple:

• Book a GP appointment to discuss your mental health and obtain a Mental Health Care Plan. Don’t be afraid to be honest — your doctor is there to help.
• Choose a registered psychologist who fits your needs. Our FAQ page explains the types of therapies we offer and what to expect in your first session. If you’re in Sydney, our adult therapy program provides flexible appointment times and experienced practitioners.
• Schedule your sessions soon. December is one of the busiest periods for mental health professionals. Early booking ensures you can use your entitlements before they expire.
• Discuss fees and rebates with your psychologist’s office. (we don’t bulk bill, so don’t allude to it)
• Plan ahead. Using your remaining sessions now doesn’t mean you have to complete all ten before the year ends; you might have two or three left, and you can continue working with your psychologist in 2026. After six sessions, you return to your GP for a review and, if needed, another referral for the remaining sessions. This system ensures coordinated care between your doctor and psychologist.

Using your sessions is an investment in your future resilience. Many people delay seeking help until they feel overwhelmed, but therapy can also be preventative. By addressing smaller issues now, you reduce the risk of them turning into larger problems later. Don’t let fear or busyness keep you from accessing support that’s already available to you.

For details on how the program works, visit the Australian Government’s Better Access information page. To see what can be claimed, review the Medicare Benefits Schedule overview.

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/use-your-remaining-medicare-sessions-before-year-end/

End of Year Burnout: When Achievement Becomes Your Enemy

As December approaches, calendars fill with project deadlines, client demands and social events. High‑performing professionals are no strangers to stress, but the end‑of‑year crunch can push even the most resilient people beyond their limits. If you’re feeling exhausted despite hitting every target, you’re not alone — and it’s not laziness. It’s burnout.

Why high achievers burn out. Research shows that A‑grade performers and CEOs are significantly more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population. Your drive, perfectionism and willingness to work long hours create the very conditions that lead to burnout. When you consistently overcommit and ignore early warning signs, your nervous system runs on stress hormones for months. By December, the adrenaline surge fades and fatigue, irritability and cynicism take its place. Many high achievers continue to deliver excellent results, while secretly struggling with insomnia, mood swings, reliance on caffeine or alcohol and a constant sense of dread. These hidden symptoms are not character flaws — they’re biological markers that your brain and body need rest.

What makes year‑end different. The final quarter often coincides with performance reviews, budget meetings and the pressure to “finish strong.” Holiday obligations and expectations to be cheerful add extra strain. Let alone the lure of the beach and the sunshine!.

Some practical steps you can take immediately include:

• Treat yourself as if you’re recovering from a physical illness.Prioritise sleep, nutrition and gentle exercise. Burnout affects your immune system, so rest is non‑negotiable.
• Set realistic daily goals and celebrate when you achieve them.Recognising small wins retrains your brain to appreciate progress rather than chasing perfection.
• Take proper lunch breaks away from your desk. Stepping outside for a walk or sitting in the sun can reset your nervous system.
• Finish your workday at a reasonable time whenever possible. Remember that productivity decreases as fatigue increases.

Beyond these basics, long‑term recovery often involves redefining success and adjusting expectations. This may mean delegating tasks, postponing projects that can wait, or having an honest conversation with your employer about sustainable workloads. Professional support can also help you identify unhealthy patterns and develop new coping strategies. Ouradult therapy services provide personalised techniques to manage stress and prevent relapse. If workplace culture contributes to your burnout, ourcorporate services team can advise on building psychologically healthy environments.

Remember, burnout is not a personal weakness but a signal your body and mind need care. Seeking help early makes recovery faster and prevents long‑term consequences. Professional support — whether through counselling, coaching or organisational change — can help you regain balance and prevent future burnout. You deserve to finish the year feeling healthy, not broken.

For more information on recognising and addressing burnout, see theBlack Dog Institute’s resources. Healthdirect also provides practical self‑care tips and information on when to seek medical help through itsmental health portal.

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/end-of-year-burnout-when-achievement-becomes-your-enemy/

Therapist vs Psychologist: What’s the Difference (in Australia)?

Many Australians are confused about whether to see a therapist or a psychologist when they need support. This short guide explains the differences so you can choose the right professional for your needs.

Training and regulation. Psychologists undertake at least six years of university study and supervised practice, followed by registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. They follow strict ethical guidelines and are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and deliver evidence‑based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Many psychologists also specialise, becoming clinical, counselling or organisational psychologists. This rigorous training ensures a standard level of care and accountability.

By contrast, the titles “therapist” and “counsellor” describe a broad range of professionals. Some counsellors hold postgraduate degrees in counselling or psychology; others may have diplomas or certificates in specific therapeutic approaches. These roles are not regulated in the same way as psychology, so it’s important to check an individual’s qualifications and membership with organisations such as the Australian Psychological Society. Counsellors and therapists focus on helping people work through emotional challenges using talk‑based therapies and support. Many are highly skilled, but training pathways vary widely.

Medicare rebates and cost considerations. Only registered psychologists can offer Medicare rebates under the Better Access programme. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Australians can claim up to ten subsidised sessions with a psychologist each calendar year. From July 2025, rebates are around $98.95 per session with a general psychologist and $145.25 with a clinical psychologist. These subsidies make psychological care more affordable for many families. Therapists and counsellors generally operate privately; fees are paid out‑of‑pocket, although some private health funds may offer rebates. When comparing costs, remember that the relationship you have with your practitioner and their experience are just as important as the price.

What happens in a session? Psychologists usually begin by assessing your concerns and developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs. They may use structured methods like cognitive behavioural therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. Counsellors and therapists often take a more flexible, conversational approach, focusing on exploring your feelings, patterns and personal history. Regardless of the professional you choose, therapy is collaborative — you set goals together and work at a pace that feels comfortable. Our adult therapy service offers compassionate counselling for stress, relationship issues and other life challenges, and you can learn more about our team by meeting Dr Amanda Gordon.

Choosing the right support. If you need a formal diagnosis, wish to access Medicare rebates or have complex mental health concerns, consider working with a registered psychologist. If you’re navigating life transitions, grief, relationship difficulties or want to develop coping skills, psychologists are right there with you – and a counsellor or therapist mayalso be a great choice. The most important factor is finding someone you trust and feel safe with. You can always ask about a practitioner’s qualifications, approach and experience before committing.

Don’t let sessions expire. Mental Health Care Plans reset each January, and you only have ten each year, so if you have remaining sessions this year, now is the perfect time to begin. To understand more about subsidised mental health care, visit Healthdirect’s mental health services page and talk to your GP. Professional support is a wise investment in your wellbeing.

Leave a message and get a personal call back from Amanda to help decide the best path for you.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/therapist-vs-psychologist-whats-the-difference-in-australia/

You Are Not Alone: Why Moods Can Really Be Upsetting for Teens

I”Yesterday my 15-year-old was laughing with her friends. Today she won’t come out of her room.” A mum sat across from me last week, completely bewildered by her daughter’s emotional rollercoaster.​

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Here at Armchair Psychology’s practice in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, we have conversations like this daily with both parents and teenagers.

The Hard Numbers

Nearly three in ten Year 10 students show signs of major depression. One in four experience high psychological distress. For girls and gender-diverse teens, these numbers are even higher.​

But statistics don’t capture the daily reality – the teenager who’s fine at breakfast can be devastated by lunch.​

Why Teen Emotions Feel So Intense

The teenage brain is like having a Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes. The emotional center is in overdrive while the part that handles regulation is still developing.​

Couple that with added social media pressure, academic stress, friendship drama, and trying to figure out who you are – and you’ve got an emotional overwhelm.​

One 16-year-old told me: “It’s like having all the feelings at once, but no words to explain what’s wrong.”​

What Actually Helps

Create Space for Big Emotions

Don’t try to fix or minimise feelings. Sometimes the most healing thing is: “That sounds really hard. Tell me more.”​

Regular Check-ins Beat Crisis Mode

Five minutes over coffee works better than waiting for meltdowns. Consistency matters more than perfection.​

Basics Aren’t Basic

Sleep, nutrition, and movement dramatically impact mood. These aren’t luxuries – they’re necessities.​​

Validate Their Reality

Skip “everyone feels that way.” Try “I can see this matters to you” or “That sounds frustrating.”​

When to Get Help

Persistent sadness for two weeks, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from friends, school struggles, or any mention of self-harm means it’s time to reach out.​

The good news? Teen therapy is highly effective. Learning emotional skills now builds lifelong resilience.​

The Real Goal

We’re not trying to eliminate difficult emotions – we’re teaching teens to navigate them successfully. Emotions provide valuable information about what we need.​

Teenagers who develop healthy coping strategies often emerge with strong emotional intelligence that serves them for life.​

You Don’t Need to Figure This Out Alone

Whether you’re a teen struggling or a parent watching your child navigate these challenges, professional support makes an enormous difference.​

At Armchair Psychology in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we help teenagers and families develop practical strategies for managing emotions and building resilience. The teen years don’t have to be something you just survive.​

If your teenager is struggling, reach out. No referrals needed, though Medicare rebates may apply with GP referral.​

Remember – getting help early on is always better than waiting for the crisis to engulf you. Both you and your teenager deserve support during this challenging but important time.

source https://armchairpsychology.com.au/you-are-not-alone-why-moods-can-really-be-upsetting-for-teens/