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The Trauma of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You
Break the cycle of anxiety, trauma, and burnout with the help of this informative tool book, written by a professional trauma therapist and clinical psychologist.
Our human nervous system has the power to cope with high stress, but not when it's been ground down by the relentless stimuli of today’s world. Over time, these persistent demands leave us burnt out because our nervous system is stuck in survival mode, making it hard to make decisions, rest, solve problems, be mindful, and set boundaries. We slip into autopilot, making us prone to mistakes, and toxic behaviors that impact professional and personal relationships.
The Trauma of Burnout will help you avoid these vicious cycles by teaching you:
- Why stress is different from burnout
- How burnout stifles your ability to think clearly
- Why you cannot ‘think’ your way out of it
- Cultural beliefs and psychological patterns that cause burnout
- How to soothe your nervous system back to full capacity using techniques and compassion.
By the end of this book, you will have tools to thrive amidst the challenges of modern life through positive interactions and relationships.
Our human nervous system has the power to cope with high stress, but not when it's been ground down by the relentless stimuli of today’s world. Over time, these persistent demands leave us burnt out because our nervous system is stuck in survival mode, making it hard to make decisions, rest, solve problems, be mindful, and set boundaries. We slip into autopilot, making us prone to mistakes, and toxic behaviors that impact professional and personal relationships.
The Trauma of Burnout will help you avoid these vicious cycles by teaching you:
- Why stress is different from burnout
- How burnout stifles your ability to think clearly
- Why you cannot ‘think’ your way out of it
- Cultural beliefs and psychological patterns that cause burnout
- How to soothe your nervous system back to full capacity using techniques and compassion.
By the end of this book, you will have tools to thrive amidst the challenges of modern life through positive interactions and relationships.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 13, 2025
I'm a UK based Clinical Psychologist specialising in Autistic Burnout. I was asked for my opinion on Dr Plumbly's book and whether it would be suitable for Autistic people.
Dr Plumbly is talking about burnout in broader terms than Autistic Burnout or Occupational Burnout (currently the only type of burnout you can be diagnosed with in the UK). She suggests that Occupational burnout as a concept invalidates all the different types of work including unpaid work (e.g. as a carer, parent, student etc.) a person can do.
Burnout is a concept that many people can relate to, and if they are left in this state there can be serious implications for their health.
Dr Plumbly explains how people end up in burnout, and what they can do about it.
Dr Plumbly mainly draws on Polyvagal theory, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she has a background in working with trauma so the book is trauma informed throughout.
This book is absolutely jam-packed with useful ways of understanding burnout. I particularly enjoyed the detailed section on Polyvagal Theory, so it would be excellent for anyone wanting to know more about this theory and how they can apply it to their recovery.
Dr Plumbly does an excellent job of explaining burnout, why it happens and then gives you some very practical strategies for recovery.
While this book is not about Autistic Burnout, Dr Plumbly does not ignore the impact of neurodivergence on a persons risk for developing burnout.
I think Polyvagal Theory is useful to think about, and fits in really nicely with Compassion Focused Therapy without requiring you to have extensive access to your emotions which makes it ideal for Autistic people who are more likely to experience Alexithymia.
Most of the strategies are quite practical and concrete, and there are enough of them that you can ignore the ones that don't suit you.
As always I would encourage you to approach any intervention, strategy or technique as an experiment. Does it make you feel better or worse? This book has been written for people of all neurotypes, so naturally, not all of them will suit everyone.
I really liked Dr Plumbly's explanation of polyvagal theory and I think this complements and deepens the understanding of some of the underlying processes in Autistic Burnout. The polyvagal exercises could easily be added to daily routines to help keep you regulated and manage stress.
Because this book is for all neurotypes it looks at our culture and how endemic burnout, and the conditions that create and perpetuate it are from a broader context than books or courses specifically on Autistic Burnout.
In conclusion, this book offers a refreshingly thorough and compassionate understanding of burnout, for everyone regardless of their neurotype. Dr Plumbly explains complex ideas in an engaging and easy to understand way and presents lots of practical strategies for helping you to recover from and avoid burnout in the future.
Dr Plumbly is talking about burnout in broader terms than Autistic Burnout or Occupational Burnout (currently the only type of burnout you can be diagnosed with in the UK). She suggests that Occupational burnout as a concept invalidates all the different types of work including unpaid work (e.g. as a carer, parent, student etc.) a person can do.
Burnout is a concept that many people can relate to, and if they are left in this state there can be serious implications for their health.
Dr Plumbly explains how people end up in burnout, and what they can do about it.
Dr Plumbly mainly draws on Polyvagal theory, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she has a background in working with trauma so the book is trauma informed throughout.
This book is absolutely jam-packed with useful ways of understanding burnout. I particularly enjoyed the detailed section on Polyvagal Theory, so it would be excellent for anyone wanting to know more about this theory and how they can apply it to their recovery.
Dr Plumbly does an excellent job of explaining burnout, why it happens and then gives you some very practical strategies for recovery.
While this book is not about Autistic Burnout, Dr Plumbly does not ignore the impact of neurodivergence on a persons risk for developing burnout.
I think Polyvagal Theory is useful to think about, and fits in really nicely with Compassion Focused Therapy without requiring you to have extensive access to your emotions which makes it ideal for Autistic people who are more likely to experience Alexithymia.
Most of the strategies are quite practical and concrete, and there are enough of them that you can ignore the ones that don't suit you.
As always I would encourage you to approach any intervention, strategy or technique as an experiment. Does it make you feel better or worse? This book has been written for people of all neurotypes, so naturally, not all of them will suit everyone.
I really liked Dr Plumbly's explanation of polyvagal theory and I think this complements and deepens the understanding of some of the underlying processes in Autistic Burnout. The polyvagal exercises could easily be added to daily routines to help keep you regulated and manage stress.
Because this book is for all neurotypes it looks at our culture and how endemic burnout, and the conditions that create and perpetuate it are from a broader context than books or courses specifically on Autistic Burnout.
In conclusion, this book offers a refreshingly thorough and compassionate understanding of burnout, for everyone regardless of their neurotype. Dr Plumbly explains complex ideas in an engaging and easy to understand way and presents lots of practical strategies for helping you to recover from and avoid burnout in the future.
April 1, 2025
As a trauma therapist—and someone who has personally walked through the fire of burnout—this book resonated deeply with me. The Trauma of Burnout is not just another self-help book telling overwhelmed women to take a bubble bath and try harder. It’s a powerful, validating, and deeply insightful look at what burnout really is: trauma.
So often, especially for women, burnout gets framed in a condescending way—like we just couldn’t handle the pressure or weren’t strong enough. But this book flips that narrative. It walks readers through the science of the nervous system, showing how chronic stress and trauma wear us down over time. It explains why burnout isn't a character flaw, but a physiological and emotional response to long-term survival mode.
What I appreciate most is how the author blends education, compassion, and practical strategies. This isn’t about pushing through—it’s about healing, understanding your limits, and learning how to regulate your nervous system before it crashes.
I recommend this book often to my clients. It's an essential read for anyone navigating burnout, especially those who’ve been taught to minimize their own needs. Thank you to the author for creating a resource that speaks truth with clarity and care.
So often, especially for women, burnout gets framed in a condescending way—like we just couldn’t handle the pressure or weren’t strong enough. But this book flips that narrative. It walks readers through the science of the nervous system, showing how chronic stress and trauma wear us down over time. It explains why burnout isn't a character flaw, but a physiological and emotional response to long-term survival mode.
What I appreciate most is how the author blends education, compassion, and practical strategies. This isn’t about pushing through—it’s about healing, understanding your limits, and learning how to regulate your nervous system before it crashes.
I recommend this book often to my clients. It's an essential read for anyone navigating burnout, especially those who’ve been taught to minimize their own needs. Thank you to the author for creating a resource that speaks truth with clarity and care.
March 6, 2025
Dr. Claire Plumbly's who writes The Trauma of Burnout offers readers an in-depth understanding of burnout, how it affects the nervous system, and practical ways to recover. The book is rooted in psychological research, aiming to help readers break free from survival mode and restore balance in their lives.
Readers will understanding between Burnout vs. Stress. Its explains the difference between normal stress and burnout and why traditional stress-management techniques may not work for burnout.
Burnout can affects us when we shows the hints of how burnout is; impairs thinking, decision-making, emotional regulation, and creativity. It is describes on how we disconnects people from relationships and activities we once enjoyed.
In this book, we will get practical tools for recovery. It is includes the techniques to regulate the nervous system and move out of survival mode. Other than that, it is offers self-compassion strategies and methods to restore energy, motivation, and resilience.
By the end of the book, readers will have concrete strategies to prevent and recover from burnout, improving their mental health, work-life balance, and relationships.
Readers will understanding between Burnout vs. Stress. Its explains the difference between normal stress and burnout and why traditional stress-management techniques may not work for burnout.
Burnout can affects us when we shows the hints of how burnout is; impairs thinking, decision-making, emotional regulation, and creativity. It is describes on how we disconnects people from relationships and activities we once enjoyed.
In this book, we will get practical tools for recovery. It is includes the techniques to regulate the nervous system and move out of survival mode. Other than that, it is offers self-compassion strategies and methods to restore energy, motivation, and resilience.
By the end of the book, readers will have concrete strategies to prevent and recover from burnout, improving their mental health, work-life balance, and relationships.
April 1, 2025
This book explores modern work life balance and it’s impact on the nervous system. It is a good deep dive into stress and how the modern world keeps the body on high alert for extended periods of time.
A lot of modern work revolves around chronic stress rather than acute stress which results in harmful effects on the mind and body. Chronic stress affects the ability to think clearly, leads to impulsive decisions and can temporarily lower IQ. Chronic stress can also lead to panic disorders , anxiety disorders, and more.
Overall very practical book that explains the brain, how it reacts to modern life demands, and solutions to overcome these obstacles. My biggest takeaway is that in a culture that praises over working, it’s important to take breaks .
Quotes I liked:
“modern life has interrupted our methods of resetting our nervous systems, too, by disconnecting from each other and our environments.”
“the phrase “self-care” has an image problem; it is often thought of as a luxury that people in the real world have no time for…. self-care is about basic body, brain, and life maintenance. It is the small, regular habits that help you create a life that you don’t regularly want to escape from.”
“Self-compassion improves our ability to regulate our nervous systems and therefore to cope with stress.”
A lot of modern work revolves around chronic stress rather than acute stress which results in harmful effects on the mind and body. Chronic stress affects the ability to think clearly, leads to impulsive decisions and can temporarily lower IQ. Chronic stress can also lead to panic disorders , anxiety disorders, and more.
Overall very practical book that explains the brain, how it reacts to modern life demands, and solutions to overcome these obstacles. My biggest takeaway is that in a culture that praises over working, it’s important to take breaks .
Quotes I liked:
“modern life has interrupted our methods of resetting our nervous systems, too, by disconnecting from each other and our environments.”
“the phrase “self-care” has an image problem; it is often thought of as a luxury that people in the real world have no time for…. self-care is about basic body, brain, and life maintenance. It is the small, regular habits that help you create a life that you don’t regularly want to escape from.”
“Self-compassion improves our ability to regulate our nervous systems and therefore to cope with stress.”
June 16, 2026
Though this was a bit dry sometimes, overall this was a great book. Having read it, I definitely think I burned out of my internal audit career (which is why it's on hiatus now... indefinitely). A good read for validating that you, too, may be burned out!
October 18, 2025
I feel seen
October 27, 2024
If you are feeling exhausted, overworked and stressed, you should read this book! It discusses the signs and different stages of burnout and even suggests self-assessments you can take to explore your individual situation.
I appreciated that the author explores the mind and body connection by outlining the physical and psychological issues as well as the internal and external pressures that impact people’s well being and stress levels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. I highlighted so many lines on my kindle to refer back to in continuing my journey to destress.
I appreciated that the author explores the mind and body connection by outlining the physical and psychological issues as well as the internal and external pressures that impact people’s well being and stress levels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. I highlighted so many lines on my kindle to refer back to in continuing my journey to destress.
September 7, 2025
This book was super helpful for me and I am considering to own it. Even while half listening while mildly distracted I was able to takeaway many helpful memorable factors. I especially loved watching for subtle happy moments called glimmers so you become aware of them ❤️ highly recommend even to those that need to be reminded of key factors to prevent a burnout.
March 29, 2026
What an amazing non fictional book! No spoilers here hehe.
I can't believe the author took pains to explain how burnout develops, the symptoms, the challenges we face, and provides a framework to come out of it. The book is compassionate towards people of various fields and their struggles with burnout.
I appreciated their approach to red/amber/green lights as a way to understand where are we in the scale of burning out.
I believe recovering from burnout is possible.
I can't believe the author took pains to explain how burnout develops, the symptoms, the challenges we face, and provides a framework to come out of it. The book is compassionate towards people of various fields and their struggles with burnout.
I appreciated their approach to red/amber/green lights as a way to understand where are we in the scale of burning out.
I believe recovering from burnout is possible.
September 27, 2025
A great read overall. While I was already familiar with most of the strategies discussed, it was still helpful to review them. I also learned a lot about burnout—especially its true definition—which was eye-opening. It's definitely useful information to be aware of!
June 19, 2026
Evidently in a phase
February 27, 2026
extremely insightful and frighteningly relatable, just a bit dull
February 7, 2025
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It hit really, really close to home. I resonated with many of the ideas in this book. And really loved the ways to address burnout. I definitely feel like I need to reread it at a very slow pace so that I can absorb all the information a lot better. I want to journal through all the great concepts that were presented.
I was gifted an ARC from Net Galley but all opinions expressed are my own.
I was gifted an ARC from Net Galley but all opinions expressed are my own.
May 30, 2025
This book was well written, insightful and practical in understanding and working through burnout. So often self help books are surface level. This book went deep into understanding and treating burnout at the roots. Highly recommend as both as supplement to therapy or when therapy is too much to add to one’s plate.
August 5, 2025
I loved this book, the author did a fantastic job explaining the difference and how burnout effects the body and mind. she talked about work life balance and the stresses that come with burnout.
I will definitely be rereading this book and using some of the methods discussed.
I will definitely be rereading this book and using some of the methods discussed.
September 22, 2025
Good audio book.
March 5, 2025
‘Because this is often a creeping process, the level of stress can be tricky to pin down and quantify. We don't wake up one morning to find ourselves in burnout—it is a gradual experience which is another reason why it's so hard to spot.’
This book is an essential read that I believe every organizational leader and head should pick up. It is straightforward and easy to understand, effectively guiding readers through the complex topic of burnout, its causes, and practical strategies to overcome it.
The book is divided into four parts. The first part explains what burnout is, the different types, and includes a brief yet insightful introduction to the neuroscience behind it. I learned that there are three primary types of burnout: frenetic, under-challenged, and worn-out. As someone working in healthcare, I was particularly drawn to the section on compassion fatigue, which is something I am both familiar with and have experienced personally. As I read through this section, I felt seen and validated in a way that was both comforting and enlightening.
The second part delves into what perpetuates burnout and why we often get stuck in it. Here, the author offers some practical tips and strategies. She highlights how our protective, yet ultimately unhelpful strategies—such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance of strong emotions—are major contributors to burnout. This section provides not only insight into the cycle of burnout but also actionable steps to begin addressing it.
In the third part, the author explores various methods to overcome burnout. This section stood out to me as especially helpful, as it presents strategies I’m eager to try and integrate into my own practice. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of real-life examples from the author's own clinical practice, which helped make the information feel more relatable and grounded in reality. Additionally, the author expands the conversation to include social factors such as colonialism, oppression, gender inequalities, and racism, all of which contribute to burnout in unique ways. This broader perspective adds depth to the discussion and encourages readers to think beyond individual coping mechanisms.
The final part of the book focuses on post-burnout growth. It summarizes the key points discussed throughout the book while offering valuable insights for navigating life after experiencing burnout. The author also provides a wealth of additional resources and support for further reading and professional help, ensuring that readers have the tools to continue their recovery journey.
Overall, I found this book to be clear, concise,
and incredibly valuable. It’s not just for those experiencing burnout but for anyone seeking to understand the phenomenon and support others who may be struggling. I highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership positions, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking practical guidance on preventing and recovering from burnout.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
This book is an essential read that I believe every organizational leader and head should pick up. It is straightforward and easy to understand, effectively guiding readers through the complex topic of burnout, its causes, and practical strategies to overcome it.
The book is divided into four parts. The first part explains what burnout is, the different types, and includes a brief yet insightful introduction to the neuroscience behind it. I learned that there are three primary types of burnout: frenetic, under-challenged, and worn-out. As someone working in healthcare, I was particularly drawn to the section on compassion fatigue, which is something I am both familiar with and have experienced personally. As I read through this section, I felt seen and validated in a way that was both comforting and enlightening.
The second part delves into what perpetuates burnout and why we often get stuck in it. Here, the author offers some practical tips and strategies. She highlights how our protective, yet ultimately unhelpful strategies—such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance of strong emotions—are major contributors to burnout. This section provides not only insight into the cycle of burnout but also actionable steps to begin addressing it.
In the third part, the author explores various methods to overcome burnout. This section stood out to me as especially helpful, as it presents strategies I’m eager to try and integrate into my own practice. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of real-life examples from the author's own clinical practice, which helped make the information feel more relatable and grounded in reality. Additionally, the author expands the conversation to include social factors such as colonialism, oppression, gender inequalities, and racism, all of which contribute to burnout in unique ways. This broader perspective adds depth to the discussion and encourages readers to think beyond individual coping mechanisms.
The final part of the book focuses on post-burnout growth. It summarizes the key points discussed throughout the book while offering valuable insights for navigating life after experiencing burnout. The author also provides a wealth of additional resources and support for further reading and professional help, ensuring that readers have the tools to continue their recovery journey.
Overall, I found this book to be clear, concise,
and incredibly valuable. It’s not just for those experiencing burnout but for anyone seeking to understand the phenomenon and support others who may be struggling. I highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership positions, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking practical guidance on preventing and recovering from burnout.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy.
May 27, 2026
This is probably a five star book. I give it four only because it is very dense. And if you are already in burnout, it can be a bit of a chore to get through. There is a Ton of information, but it is useful information.
I started this book right after I left my career because of burnout. I immediately connected with the information in this book, and got through a good chunk to start and then stopped reading it completely.
I already had some useful coping and managing techniques from early in the book and also at the time I didn’t have the mental capacity to read much of anything, let alone this very dense book. I picked it back up sporadically, but it took me nearly NINE months to finish.
But. I'm glad I finished. I was just in deep burnout when I started it and it took awhile to get through.
This book helps to explain the difference between burnout and stress. It explains the different modes of burnout, which was also a little unnerving, learning the stages I let my body and nervous system get to.
The book also provides information to ID burnout stages/modes, as they can shift, and provides coping and managing mechanisms to work back to more even feelings and levels.
It's A Lot. But if you think you are experiencing burnout, you will get a ton of useful information, as you can take it in, from this book.
I started this book right after I left my career because of burnout. I immediately connected with the information in this book, and got through a good chunk to start and then stopped reading it completely.
I already had some useful coping and managing techniques from early in the book and also at the time I didn’t have the mental capacity to read much of anything, let alone this very dense book. I picked it back up sporadically, but it took me nearly NINE months to finish.
But. I'm glad I finished. I was just in deep burnout when I started it and it took awhile to get through.
This book helps to explain the difference between burnout and stress. It explains the different modes of burnout, which was also a little unnerving, learning the stages I let my body and nervous system get to.
The book also provides information to ID burnout stages/modes, as they can shift, and provides coping and managing mechanisms to work back to more even feelings and levels.
It's A Lot. But if you think you are experiencing burnout, you will get a ton of useful information, as you can take it in, from this book.
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am very much a type A, perfectionist, organized, &structured people pleaser. When I was burnout out I was on autopilot. I kept telling myself I just had to make it through the next day of work. I was in survival mode. I couldn’t learn anything new, pick up a new skill, or watch new shows because I couldn’t take in any new information. I felt I had to be “on” at all times which was so draining for the introvert that I am.
* I started going to therapy a few years ago due to being EXTREMELY burnout at work. The info in this book was great! My therapist gave me a lot of the tools, information, &resources that were in this book so it was great seeing the techniques are universally used.
* I feel like there are a lot of other moving parts to burnout that you have to deal with at the same time like boundaries &expectations but the book doesn’t go into those types of details. That’s where I think seeing a therapist is extremely helpful. I knew I was burnout, I just couldn’t seem to find a way to say no to anything.
* I was gifted the book but also listened to the audiobook. The narration was well done. Sometimes nonfiction can be monotone &boring but that wasn’t the case here. She did a good job keeping the story alive.
* If you don’t want to see a therapist but are feeling burnt out, I’d recommend you pick up this book.
I’d like to thank Grand Central Publishing &Balance for the gifted advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
* Stress
* Burnout
* Societal expectations
* Nervous system reset
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
* This book teaches you why stress is different from burnout, how burnout alters your thinking processes, the causes of burnout, &tools to get your nervous system back to rest.
* I started going to therapy a few years ago due to being EXTREMELY burnout at work. The info in this book was great! My therapist gave me a lot of the tools, information, &resources that were in this book so it was great seeing the techniques are universally used.
* I feel like there are a lot of other moving parts to burnout that you have to deal with at the same time like boundaries &expectations but the book doesn’t go into those types of details. That’s where I think seeing a therapist is extremely helpful. I knew I was burnout, I just couldn’t seem to find a way to say no to anything.
* I was gifted the book but also listened to the audiobook. The narration was well done. Sometimes nonfiction can be monotone &boring but that wasn’t the case here. She did a good job keeping the story alive.
* If you don’t want to see a therapist but are feeling burnt out, I’d recommend you pick up this book.
I’d like to thank Grand Central Publishing &Balance for the gifted advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬:
* Stress
* Burnout
* Societal expectations
* Nervous system reset
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
* This book teaches you why stress is different from burnout, how burnout alters your thinking processes, the causes of burnout, &tools to get your nervous system back to rest.
April 29, 2026
In likeness to the title, I have realized upon reading this book that my nervous system most definitely is already managing me. I listened to this as an audiobook - hearing directly from the author felt a lot like listening to a continuing education class on an expert in this field and less like a helpful guide. Although, there were countless tips/activities introduced to the reader to work on improving our nervous system, mental health, and sustaining “green mode.” I appreciated the format of this book which Plumbly briefly acknowledges was written in a similar format to counseling sessions. However, the first half of this book is A LOT of information to take in at once and can definitely leave one feeling triggered or in “amber mode” as she refers to it, especially if you are struggling with burnout. I don’t think that needs to be a reason to avoid this, but is more of a warning to take it slow and reflect on each passage rather than absorb everything hoping for answers. I am familiar with a lot of the solutions to working through burnout already discussed by Plumbly, but I feel this book is a good starting resource.
June 23, 2026
This book hit at exactly the right time for me. Reading a book about burnout while burnt out was honestly a bit of a struggle. There were definitely moments where I would've rather picked up a novel because my brain was already pretty cooked. But I'm glad I stuck with it. what I liked most was how practical it was. A lot of frameworks in here that made things click for me, especially the green/amber/red way of looking at burnout, self compassion, boundaries, self care. It gave me a much better understanding of where I am and what recovery actually looks like.
The biggest takeaway was realizing just how many of the severe burnout symptoms matched what I've experienced over the past year. It was oddly comforting to see so much of my experience reflected in the book. I felt seen, and it helped me realize that burnout is a lot more than just being stressed or tired. I'd recommend this to anyone who's feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just not quite like themselves. I'd also recommend taking notes as you read because there's a lot of practical stuff that I know I'll want to come back to later. One of those books that was validating, useful, and probably worth rereading.
The biggest takeaway was realizing just how many of the severe burnout symptoms matched what I've experienced over the past year. It was oddly comforting to see so much of my experience reflected in the book. I felt seen, and it helped me realize that burnout is a lot more than just being stressed or tired. I'd recommend this to anyone who's feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just not quite like themselves. I'd also recommend taking notes as you read because there's a lot of practical stuff that I know I'll want to come back to later. One of those books that was validating, useful, and probably worth rereading.
March 15, 2026
Genuinely, you have to read this book. Yes you, who is reading this review. Because if you're reading this review, you're wondering if maybe you're experiencing burnout, or maybe you are struggling with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks. Maybe you're a workaholic or maybe you're wondering why you can't stop drinking to try and silence the noise in your head.
This is very much not a "self help-y" book. Dr. Plumbly does a wonderful job presenting real facts and science behind why we are feeling like this and how to break our own cycles. This book gave me permission to stop being so angry at myself and taught me how to understand my nervous system.
When you can understand your nervous system, you can learn how to take care of yourself more deeply. We live in a society that praises burnout, business, overworking, and putting our "output" above all else. Let rest be your rebellion.
Read this book.
This is very much not a "self help-y" book. Dr. Plumbly does a wonderful job presenting real facts and science behind why we are feeling like this and how to break our own cycles. This book gave me permission to stop being so angry at myself and taught me how to understand my nervous system.
When you can understand your nervous system, you can learn how to take care of yourself more deeply. We live in a society that praises burnout, business, overworking, and putting our "output" above all else. Let rest be your rebellion.
Read this book.
May 5, 2026
Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You by Claire Plumbly is a practical and supportive guide to understanding burnout. It helps you recognise the gradual shift from overdrive into exhaustion and disconnection and makes sense of why thinking, motivation and enjoyment can start to fade.
Drawing on trauma-informed theory and compassion-focused therapy, the book explains how the nervous system responds to ongoing stress and pressure, alongside the patterns of thinking and behaviour that can keep people stuck. It is particularly useful in linking this understanding to realistic, usable tools that can support recovery through self-awareness, regulation and self-compassion. The final section also moves on to explore possibility of growth beyond burnout, which feels positive and empowering.
This is a really helpful book and I would highly recommend it for anyone experiencing burnout or trying to understand it more clearly.
Drawing on trauma-informed theory and compassion-focused therapy, the book explains how the nervous system responds to ongoing stress and pressure, alongside the patterns of thinking and behaviour that can keep people stuck. It is particularly useful in linking this understanding to realistic, usable tools that can support recovery through self-awareness, regulation and self-compassion. The final section also moves on to explore possibility of growth beyond burnout, which feels positive and empowering.
This is a really helpful book and I would highly recommend it for anyone experiencing burnout or trying to understand it more clearly.
January 28, 2026
As a Clinical Psychologist myself leading an NHS service and supervising other psychologists in my specialised field, this book landed like nothing else. Especially when I reflect on work-life-balance during Covid (there was none).
This book was a mirror, a toolkit, a fresh perspective, and inspired a new project for our national network. It’s a must for anyone managing a team or working themselves in the NHS while also functioning as a human being outside of that!
Claire’s therapeutic skill and warmth shine through her writing style making you feel like you’re not alone, she’s with you as you read it.
I’m more tuned into some of the micro signals my body and nervous system are sending me day to day, giving myself permission to pause and acknowledge the humanity of our responses to the demands of our lives that we were never designed for.
This book was a mirror, a toolkit, a fresh perspective, and inspired a new project for our national network. It’s a must for anyone managing a team or working themselves in the NHS while also functioning as a human being outside of that!
Claire’s therapeutic skill and warmth shine through her writing style making you feel like you’re not alone, she’s with you as you read it.
I’m more tuned into some of the micro signals my body and nervous system are sending me day to day, giving myself permission to pause and acknowledge the humanity of our responses to the demands of our lives that we were never designed for.
January 19, 2025
"The Trauma of Burnout" is a resource most of us could use when burnout is high. I appreciated the examples given and the strategies to work on them. There are also helpful graphs, tables, and references. Written on a level that can be understood and used by multiple demographics. When reading self-help, psychology, or similar genres I always look for footnotes and references to substantiate the writing topics. Dr. Plumbly delivered on this. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to others. My own health has forced me to rest when I have been burned out. I wish books like this about the topic existed during those times.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the chance to read and review.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for the chance to read and review.
February 14, 2026
I read Dr. Plumbly’s The Trauma of Burnout as an American scholar focused on work being done in trauma studies. Dr. Plumbly’s text is an incredible resource of clinical anecdotes, thoughtfully elaborated through her evidence-based practices. The research offers a strong guide for readers who feel stuck in “survival mode” and are looking for reliable methods to rediscover greater joy in their work. Likewise, the book supports therapists who may be helping clients navigate these changes. For readers seeking ways to sustain their nervous system through mindfulness practices while preventing burnout, Dr. Plumbly’s book is a must-read.
January 25, 2025
This helped validate me and my burnout experience. It also provided incredible tools to help ease yourself out of and stay out of burnout. I plan to purchase this so that I can go back and do the exercises more thoroughly and over time. I highly recommend this evidenced backed book if you’re feeling burnout from work, from being a carer, from being an entrepreneur, etc. This will truly help you find your way back to a balanced, joyful life.
Disclaimer: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2026
I have recommended this to several people, from extremely burnt out to those at risk of burnout in their lives. It leaves no stone unturned and has advice for people wanting to proactively manage burn out to people who are burning out and also for the extremely burnt out. It explains complex processes with helpful analogies and models that the average reader can follow and understand and is full of practical tips to help anyone under a state of stress to being fully floored by accumulative stress.
February 27, 2025
It’s an excellent book providing all the information you need to make sense of your relationship with work and yourself. It’s packed with relatable case studies and strategies to help you reflect and improve your relationship with work but also make sense what is driving it.
It’s well written and really engaging.
I recommend it to anyone who has a tendency to work a bit too hard in life.
It’s well written and really engaging.
I recommend it to anyone who has a tendency to work a bit too hard in life.
March 27, 2025
This is the book I have been waiting for!
Clear and concise explanations of what burnout feels like. Her many suggestions on how to manage it made me feel that Doctor Claire was by my side helping me in a supportive way.
This book should be read and kept on a handy shelf so you can return to it again and again. A brilliant read
Clear and concise explanations of what burnout feels like. Her many suggestions on how to manage it made me feel that Doctor Claire was by my side helping me in a supportive way.
This book should be read and kept on a handy shelf so you can return to it again and again. A brilliant read
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