Mark, 42, is a software engineer who has built a successful career on precision and problem-solving. Lately, however, he has felt a persistent sense of emptiness that no promotion, bonus, or recognition can shake. Tasks that once energized him now feel mechanical, and even hobbies he used to enjoy seem hollow. He notices himself withdrawing from friends, skipping social activities, and feeling increasingly disconnected from his family. Nights are restless, mornings are heavy, and he finds himself wondering: “Am I doing enough? Am I enough?”

Elena, 38, is a marketing manager who prides herself on being responsible and thorough. At work, she completes each task with diligence and has always been praised for going the extra mile. When a new director joined the company and began favoring quick, flashy work over her careful approach, Elena felt an unexpected surge of irritation and helplessness. She tells herself it’s just about “bad management,” but beneath the surface, she feels a familiar sting. Lately, her sleep has been restless, her mood irritable and anxious, and she’s found herself daydreaming about quitting—while also feeling guilty for wanting to.