You’re still functioning.

You’re showing up to work. People rely on you. You’re getting things done. From the outside, you may even look exceptionally capable.

But what is it costing you to keep functioning this way?

In Episode 16 of Unapologetic Edge, Philippa Scott looks at the quieter cost of high-functioning burnout: the plans you cancel because you’re too exhausted, the relationships receiving whatever is left of you, the inability to genuinely rest, the mental load of constantly scanning for what could go wrong, and the gradual disappearance of the person you remember yourself being.

For high-achieving women, nervous system patterns such as overachievement, people pleasing and hypervigilance can look remarkably like professional strengths. They can build careers, reputations and external success while quietl ...