The Lie of “I’m Fine”

“I’m fine.”

Two words that can mean absolutely anything… except fine.

Some days, “I’m fine” means I’m functioning. I’m smiling. I’m replying to emails and making small talk and maybe even cracking a joke in the group chat.

But inside? I’m unraveling.

Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown. It doesn’t always come with tears or dramatic exits or a day off work. Sometimes, burnout looks like showing up anyway—because you’re too afraid not to.

When You’re Functionally Not Okay

This is what I’ve learned: There’s a kind of burnout that’s quiet. Invisible. You still meet deadlines. You still laugh at the right moments. You’re still “productive.”

But you’re numb. You’re flat. And the second someone asks how you are, you say it again:

“I’m fine.”

And maybe you even believe it.

Because it’s easier to fake stability than admit you’re running on fumes.

The Problem with Being the Reliable One

If you’re the “strong one,” the “organized one,” the “you’ve always got it together” one… You probably know what I mean.

You don’t want to let people down. You don’t want to seem weak. You don’t want the people around you to worry—or worse, back away.

So you keep showing up.

Even when it’s breaking you.

We Need to Redefine Strength

Strength isn’t pretending everything’s okay. It’s being honest when it’s not.

It’s saying, “I need help.” It’s saying, “I need rest.” It’s saying, “I’m not okay… but I want to be.”

You can’t outwork burnout. You can’t fake your way into peace. And no one gets a trophy for emotional suppression.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re running on empty but still pushing forward… I see you.

And maybe it’s time to stop saying “I’m fine.”

Maybe it’s time to say, “I’m tired.” “I’m overwhelmed.” “I need a damn break.”

And maybe—just maybe—that’s where the healing starts.