How do I know if I'm burned out or just stressed?

Question

Deeper Global · Accepted Answer

Distinguishing between burnout and stress is important because they require different approaches to recovery. Stress is typically a response to specific pressures or demands that feels manageable with adequate rest, support, or problem-solving. While stress can be uncomfortable, you usually maintain hope that things will improve and retain some sense of engagement with your work or responsibilities. Burnout, however, is a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations. It's characterized by three main components: overwhelming exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest, cynicism or detachment from work and relationships, and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment or effectiveness. With burnout, you might feel emotionally drained even after weekends or vacations, develop a negative or cynical attitude toward work or people, and feel like nothing you do makes a difference. Physical symptoms of burnout can include chronic fatigue, insomnia, frequent illness, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Emotionally, burnout often involves feeling trapped, helpless, or resentful. You might find yourself going through the motions without engagement or caring. Burnout typically develops gradually over months or years of chronic stress without adequate recovery time. Unlike stress, which can motivate action or change, burnout often leads to withdrawal and disengagement. Recovery from burnout usually requires more than just rest - it often involves significant changes to workload, boundaries, or life circumstances, and sometimes professional support. If you're experiencing symptoms that persist despite rest and self-care efforts, or if you've lost interest in things you once cared about, you might be experiencing burnout rather than temporary stress.