In a world where success and achievement often define individual worth, new psychological insights highlight the silent epidemic facing high-achievers: burnout. A recent article by a psychologist, published in Forbes on May 20, 2025, draws attention to three definitive signs that indicate when relentless striving for excellence turns self-destructive, offering timely lessons for professionals, students, and families in Thailand’s increasingly competitive environment (Forbes).
The article outlines a familiar cycle experienced by many: periods of intense productivity followed by exhaustion, plummeting motivation, and a crisis in personal identity as the pursuit of achievement begins to overshadow well-being. With the pressure mounting in Thai workplaces, classrooms, and even homes to meet ever-higher standards, this research resonates with a society where academic and career milestones often serve as measures of self-worth.
One of the report’s primary claims is that overachievers frequently tie their identities to their accomplishments. Many individuals internalize the belief from a young age that their value stems from productivity and recognition, an attitude reinforced by families, school systems, and popular culture. A 2019 study cited in the article and published in the journal Human Relations argues that societal shifts have weakened traditional identity anchors such as family or community roles—and as a result, professional achievement now fills this void. For Thais, this can be seen in the high prevalence of after-school tutoring, relentless university entrance exam preparation, and the reward culture around student and employee performance (source: Forbes).
The first sign of burnout, according to the psychologist, is when achievement and success become the core of one’s identity. Professionals or students may begin identifying themselves primarily through job titles or grades. When they fall short of perfection, any setback is felt not as a single failure, but a deep personal flaw, triggering shame and undermining their sense of self. This mindset, while often leading to outstanding accomplishments in the early stages, lays the groundwork for an identity crisis later on, when recognition wanes or goals inevitably shift.
The article’s second major insight is that chronic burnout is often misinterpreted by both sufferers and outsiders as laziness or personal failure. Persistent exhaustion, lack of motivation, and emotional detachment are common but are compounded by guilt and self-criticism—especially in cultures where admitting to fatigue or mental health issues still carries stigma. A 2020 publication in Qualitative Health Research, referenced in the article, encourages individuals recovering from burnout to “re-habituate the habitual body.” This process involves relearning how to take care of oneself physically and mentally, and actively resisting the compulsion to always say “yes” to new tasks or responsibilities.
Thailand’s fast-paced urban centers, such as Bangkok, increasingly reflect global trends in “hustle culture,” where ceaseless work is viewed as a virtue and rest can be perceived as weakness. In such environments, overachievers often dismiss their own need for rest, accepting sleep deprivation and stress as the cost of success. The pressure to keep pace is seen not only among corporate workers, but also university students and even secondary school pupils. School officials and educators affiliated with several top institutions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have noted a rise in anxiety and emotional exhaustion among top-performing students—many of whom report feeling that they are never “enough” despite constant achievements.
The third sign, as highlighted by the psychologist, is a reliance on relentless work as a coping mechanism that eventually becomes counterproductive. Overachievers may initially turn to their busy schedules as a way to avoid confronting deeper emotional pain—stemming from family issues, self-doubt, or feelings of lost control in other parts of their lives. Yet as time passes, the endless hustle ceases to provide relief or satisfaction, leaving the individual feeling numb, empty, and increasingly alienated from the very peers who once admired their drive.
This disconnect—sometimes called “success fatigue”—is particularly relevant in the Thai context. Respect for academic and professional achievement is integral to social status in Thai society. However, this can make it difficult for “successful” individuals to ask for help or admit when they are struggling; as a result, many suffer in silence, isolated by the perception that they must always be strong and dependable. Support networks such as close family, teachers, and community leaders are crucial for enabling individuals to recognize the difference between healthy ambition and self-damaging burnout.
Experts interviewed for this report reinforce that moderation, self-care, and open dialogue are essential. According to a clinical psychologist at a leading Bangkok hospital, “We see many accomplished professionals and students experiencing classic symptoms of burnout—insomnia, irritability, even panic attacks. Our role is to help them reconnect with a sense of self-worth not rooted solely in achievement, and to remind them that it is healthy, even necessary, to rest.” The psychologist argues that one positive trend is the growing willingness among some young Thais to speak out about mental health challenges and seek peer or professional support, aided by social media campaigns and university outreach programmes.
A similar view is echoed by education sector officials who, in recent years, have advocated for reforms in Thai schools to prioritize mental well-being alongside academic excellence. This includes integrating mindfulness practices, providing wellness counseling, and encouraging students to set realistic expectations for themselves. Many schools have also piloted “stress reduction” policies—such as flexible test schedules, reduced homework loads, and group recreational activities—in a bid to create healthier environments for learning and personal development (Bangkok Post education coverage).
Yet, cultural challenges persist. For older generations, shaped by decades of rapid economic growth and shifting job markets, there remains a strong association between self-sacrifice and success. Parents and employers may unintentionally perpetuate high-pressure environments by equating excellence with constant productivity. This generational gap can widen misunderstandings about burnout and its causes, as well as the best approaches for prevention and intervention.
Historically, Thailand’s Buddhist traditions offer a counterweight to the pressures of achievement. The concept of “santiphap” or inner peace, along with the value placed on “sufficiency” as articulated in the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy, reminds Thais of the importance of balance, moderation, and community. These timeless principles can inform a more compassionate response to the modern epidemic of burnout. Yet, for many living in an urbanized, digital-first society, the pace of life can make these values harder to live by.
Looking ahead, Thai researchers and public health officials have pointed to the need for nationwide studies on the prevalence of burnout and overachievement not just in workplaces, but throughout the education system and community organizations. International research suggests that countries with performance-driven cultures face similar risks: a 2022 World Health Organization report highlighted that chronic workplace stress is a leading cause of ill-health, loss of productivity, and, in severe cases, suicide (WHO burnout).
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend actionable steps for individuals, families, schools, and employers. These include regularly monitoring signs of physical and emotional exhaustion, fostering open communication about mental health struggles, setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, and building protective routines that include sleep, exercise, and nourishing social connections. Employers are urged to offer flexible working arrangements, recognize the dangers of excessive overtime, and provide employee assistance programmes.
For Thai readers striving for their best in school, career, or business, the evidence is clear: true success is unsustainable without balance. The psychologist interviewed by Forbes concludes, “There is nothing wrong with a moderate level of achievement. Living a well-balanced life is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Your well-being will always be the biggest win of them all.”
In contemporary Thai culture, where social media often celebrates non-stop achievement—from the viral success stories of young entrepreneurs to students who ace every exam—these insights serve as a timely reminder: slowing down is not only acceptable, but necessary for lifelong fulfillment and health.