18. 9. 2025

When a Diagnosis Becomes a Dead End

Obsah

What it’s about

Depression, burnout, and other diagnoses often freeze a poor psychological state instead of pointing to a solution.

What’s happening

You function. You work hard. You succeed. But you don’t feel well:

  • Emptiness,

  • Loneliness, even when you’re among people,

  • Meaning is missing.

As time goes on, it gets worse.

  • You tell yourself: “this is normal,” “that’s just life.”

  • Until one day, you can’t tell yourself that anymore.

And then comes the label: An online questionnaire. A visit to a psychiatrist. “You have depression.” “Burnout.” “An anxiety disorder.”

The result

  • When your GP says “tonsillitis,” it’s the start of a solution.

  • But a psychological diagnosis often blocks the path to change“So I’ll just take meds and get used to it.”

What now

Depression, anxiety, burnout, and other diagnoses can be completely real. Medication may be necessary when life feels unbearable. But it must never replace the search for the real cause — nor the effort to build a life where you can actually feel well.

Tip #1: A diagnosis is not the end. It’s a signpost.

  • Putting a name to what troubles you can bring relief.

  • But this is exactly when you need to remember: it’s only the beginning.

  • It’s a message that something in your life is chronically overloading, draining, or breaking you down.

  • And it won’t be solved by a pill or a label alone.

What’s next

In the coming episodes we’ll look at:

  • How to recognize the difference between an illness and a life dead-end,

  • Why “working on yourself” isn’t enough when you’re trapped in the wrong rhythm,

  • And how to find a new direction, even when you’re tired and discouraged.

About me

I started out as a startup entrepreneur. After successfully selling my company, I became a corporate director. In the end I left that career and turned my long-time passion into a profession: I became a full-time therapist and coach. I help high performers overcome overload and rediscover satisfaction in their lives.

Want more?

If this topic speaks to you, you can find the detailed extension to this episode here on my web