When Fiona found herself burned out and unsure of her next steps, she struggled to find ways to cope. The stress of work and home life weighed heavily, leaving her overwhelmed. Attending an EMCC talk led her to discover a peer support group—one that would change her perspective and help her move forward.
Read on as she shares her journey of navigating burnout, finding community, and rediscovering hope.
What led you to seek support from EMCC?
Fiona: I was trying to push through burnout while figuring things out, but nothing seemed to help. Emotionally, I was all over the place, and I didn’t know how to cope with challenges at home either. When I came across a talk by EMCC, I attended it, hoping to gain some clarity. That’s how I found out about their peer support group, and I decided to give it a try.
How did being part of the peer support group help you?
Fiona: Meeting others who were going through similar struggles—whether burnout or career uncertainty—was really reassuring. We weren’t alone in what we were facing. The sessions helped us recognise our Automatic Negative Thoughts, which was a big takeaway for me. I also learned techniques to regulate my breathing when anxiety or panic attacks hit. These reminders were essential because, after leaving my last workplace, I had lost a lot of my coping mechanisms. It’s been a challenge to rebuild them, but I’m making an intentional effort to stay mindful and use the grounding and breathing skills I learned.
What did you take away from the experience?
Fiona: The support I received wasn’t just limited to the sessions. My counsellor took time outside of our meetings to listen to my fears and explore options with me. She encouraged me to stay hopeful and try out new possibilities—which I did!
Where are you now on your journey?
Fiona: I’ve started studying with the New Masters Academy on Discord while working part-time as a server in a Japanese restaurant. My hope is to eventually step into the graphic design or animation industry, putting my interests and skills to use in a meaningful way. Life is definitely getting busier, but in a way that feels fulfilling. In my free moments, I spend time with my nephew or take walks along the beach to watch the sunset—simple things that refresh my soul.
Fiona’s story is a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty and burnout, there is a way forward. Seeking support, learning new coping strategies, and staying open to new opportunities can make all the difference.
If you feel you need professional help and emotional support, please reach out to EMCC. Help is available, and hope is always within reach.
To ensure that our services remain accessible, subsidised counselling is also provided. For more information, click here.
