Burnout rarely announces itself. It shows up as irritability, disrupted sleep, withdrawal from friends, and a persistent sense of guilt no matter how much you do.
Physical signs matter too: frequent illness, changes in appetite, and exhaustion that rest does not fix.
Relief has to be scheduled, not hoped for. Recurring respite hours on the calendar work; occasional emergency breaks do not.
Accepting help is not a failure of devotion. Sustainable caregiving lasts longer and looks kinder to the person receiving it.