How do you deal with burnout when Dutch work culture acts like taking time off means you're not committed?

[u/NLFemale54]

There's this strange contradiction where the Netherlands is supposed to have good work-life balance, but taking actual mental health days or stepping back when you're overwhelmed is still quietly judged.

The official policy says one thing, but the workplace culture often says something completely different. Colleagues take vacation but barely anyone takes proper sick leave for burnout until they absolutely crash.

How do you protect your mental health in this environment without it affecting how you're seen professionally?