Burnout or Stress? How to Tell and What Helps

Stress is part of life, and in short bursts it can even be useful. Burnout is what can happen when stress goes on for too long without enough rest.

Stress and burnout are not the same

Stress tends to feel like too much: too much pressure, too much to do, a mind that will not slow down. Burnout feels more like not enough: no energy left, little interest in things you used to care about and a sense that nothing you do makes a difference.

Signs that you may be heading for burnout

• feeling tired even after you have rested
• dreading things you used to manage easily
• becoming more cynical or irritable
• small tasks feeling overwhelming
• pulling away from other people
• headaches, tension or poor sleep

If you have physical symptoms that are worrying you, speak to your GP.

What helps

Rest matters, and so does looking honestly at what is being asked of you. CBT can help with the part that is within your control: the beliefs that keep you pushing on, such as “I must not let anyone down”, and the habits that follow from them. Together we work on developing practical coping strategies for day-to-day pressures.

You can read more about how I work with stress and overwhelm.

Next step

If this sounds familiar and you would like to talk it through, you are welcome to get in touch. I offer CBT in person at The Little Barn in Claverham, North Somerset, and online.