Burnout Nearly Broke Me — And What We’re Building to Fix It

Dr Dan Harrison · Lumenara

I’ve experienced burnout — the kind that doesn’t go away with a few days off. I’ve lived with anxiety, addiction, and depression that didn’t respond to quick fixes.

I’ve seen how the very systems designed to support us can actually perpetuate harm. That’s why I shared my story — on LinkedIn, on Facebook, and in forums — to say to anyone who’s struggling: you are not alone.

Research by the American Psychological Association (2023) shows stress-related mental-health diagnoses are rising rapidly, especially in young adults. The McKinsey Health Institute (2022) reports that a third of workers now show signs of burnout — emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, and detachment.

The warning signs are everywhere. They can’t keep being ignored. And with the explosion of new technologies and rapid shifts in how we live and work, it’s not slowing down. These aren’t isolated stories — they’re systemic patterns. And they’re getting worse.

Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people aged 15–44. That’s not just a tragedy — it’s an alarm bell we can no longer silence.

It’s Not Just Systemic — It’s a Skills Gap

We’ve told individuals for years to “look after themselves” — take a day off, log off, have a long weekend. But that hasn’t worked. Why? Because we’re dealing with a systemic issue — but also a skills-based one. Logging off is not just about walking out of the office.

Today we teach people to achieve, to produce, to push forward — but we barely teach the skills to regulate emotion, navigate stress, or build resilience. Boundaries, emotional literacy, recovery — these are human competencies we’ve neglected. And now we’re paying the price.

The demand for wellbeing services has jumped 30 % in just five years (BPS 2022) — and it’s outpacing what healthcare systems or employers can handle.

So What Are We Doing at Lumenara?

We don’t need another app or micro-course that only scratches the surface. We need a deeper shift in how support is designed — rooted in behavioural science, adult learning, and the messy complexity of real life.

At Lumenara, we’re building something new. It’s not about replacing therapy or coaching — it’s about filling the massive gap between them. The space where most people actually live and struggle.

We’re designing for the 3 AM moments — the ones filled with doubt, stress, or worry. When you’re trying to hold it together for your family, your team, your friends — or just yourself — and don’t have the answers.