Burnout and depression are not just buzzwords—they are silent battles that millions fight every day. They don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone, no matter how "successful" they appear on the outside. And yet, despite how real and devastating they are, society still treats them as weaknesses. I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy.
Since returning to Belgium, I’ve seen firsthand how many people are silently struggling. Their pain is deeply familiar because I was once in their shoes. I know what it feels like to be trapped in an overwhelming cycle, feeling like you have no way out. The pressure here is enormous—the expectations relentless—and the struggle is real.
In the short time I’ve been back, three people I knew took their own lives. From the outside, they seemed to have everything—thriving businesses, beautiful families, and success in every sense of the word. But behind closed doors, they wore a mask so heavy that eventually, they could no longer carry it. The weight of society’s expectations became too much to bear.
The Hidden Battle
You wouldn’t see it when you met them. They smiled, they laughed, they appeared to have it all together. They pretended they were fine because that’s what society expects. In a world that glorifies productivity, admitting that you are struggling feels like a failure. Saying you are not working makes people look at you differently, as if you are lazy or incapable. And so, instead of seeking true healing, many take the quick fix—antidepressants that numb the pain just enough to get them back to work. But numbing the symptoms doesn’t heal the root cause.
I know what it’s like to feel completely drained, to wake up and wonder how you’ll get through another day. When I finally stepped away from my high-pressure career, it took me over a year just to feel normal again—even while living in stunning, sunny places, doing what was best for my soul. That’s how deep burnout runs. Even now, I know I can’t function at the high-speed pace society demands. I also don’t want to, because I’ve learned that it’s not sustainable. It slowly kills you.
The Power of Sound, Breathwork, and Bodywork
As I searched for ways to truly heal, I discovered something incredibly powerful—sound, breathwork, and bodywork.
Sound has the power to calm the nervous system, release tension, and guide the body into deep relaxation—something we all need but rarely allow ourselves. True healing happens when we are fully relaxed. This is when the body resets, when inspiration flows, when focus returns, and when energy is restored.
As I explored the power of sound, I also realized how breath is its foundation. Every vibration, every tone, starts with breath. And when I began working consciously with my own breath, another layer of healing unfolded. Learning to work with my breath allowed me to release stuck emotions, reset my nervous system, and reconnect with my body in ways I never had before. The simplest act—breathing with awareness—became a gateway to transformation.
When combined with bodywork and movement, the shifts became even deeper. I learned that healing isn’t just about the mind—it’s about the body too. The tension we hold, the breath we suppress, and the emotions we push down all need to be released before true balance can be restored.
That’s why I now offer private and group sound sessions in multiple locations, ensuring that this healing practice is accessible to everyone. True relaxation shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a regular part of life—a tool for ongoing well-being, not just a one-time escape.
And now, inspired by my own journey, I will soon begin offering simple breathwork and Pranayama courses. These practices helped me heal, and I know they can help others too. Sometimes, healing isn’t about adding more to our lives—it’s about coming back to the basics. To the breath. To the body. To the present moment.
The Path to Healing
Through my journey, I’ve met many others who have suffered from burnout and depression. And I started noticing a pattern. People who tap into their creativity—who paint, write, make music, or express themselves in some way—seem to recover and thrive. Creativity is a form of healing, yet it’s something society often suppresses in favor of rigid structure and endless work. On the other hand, those who return to the same high-pressure jobs, where they are required to wear a mask every day, often relapse into burnout and depression within a few years.
I was one of them. For over 20 years, I worked in high-profile jobs, excelling at what I did but never feeling truly fulfilled. Every five years, I would reach my breaking point, quit, travel, and then come back—only to do the exact same thing again. It was a vicious cycle. But four years ago, I knew something had to change. I couldn’t keep living like this. I made radical decisions, and while they weren’t easy, they were necessary.
Now, I am following my soul’s path. I do what I love. I work in a way that is healthy for me, not dictated by societal expectations. And the most beautiful part? It’s not just good for me—it’s good for those around me too. By prioritizing my well-being, I am better able to support and inspire others.
Breaking the Stigma
Burnout and depression are not signs of weakness. They are signals—urgent messages from your body and mind that something needs to change. We need to stop judging those who step away from work to heal. We need to stop prescribing quick fixes that only mask the pain. We need to create a world where people can live at their own pace, where creativity and well-being are valued just as much as productivity.
If you are struggling, you are not broken. You are not weak. You are human. And you deserve a life that nurtures, not drains you.
Let’s start talking about burnout and depression openly. Let’s create a world where well-being matters as much as success. Because no one should have to wear a mask just to survive.
Healing isn’t about going back to who you were before burnout. It’s about stepping into a stronger, wiser version of yourself—one who no longer trades well-being for society’s demands but instead honors what truly nourishes the soul.
And if you're looking for a way to reconnect with yourself, I invite you to explore the power of sound, breath, and movement. Healing begins with the simplest things—the breath you take, the way you move, the sounds that surround you.
With all my love,
Marije
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