Singers talk openly about stage fright, auditions, and competition. But there’s one topic that still hides in the shadows: the shame of struggling with your voice.

For many singers, the voice is more than an instrument. It’s a part of who you are. But what happens when burnout or vocal issues make you feel disconnected?

Many singers pride themselves on high standards. After all, striving for excellence is what keeps us improving. But there’s a fine line between healthy ambition and perfectionism — and crossing it can be dangerous for your voice.

We all know the word burnout. It’s that feeling of running on empty, when stress has piled up for so long that you’re exhausted, demotivated, and disconnected from your work. But if you’re a singer, burnout doesn’t just affect your mood or energy. It can also show up in your voice. As both a coach and a researcher, I’ve seen just how closely linked burnout and vocal health can be.