Is This Just Stress, or Am I Burning Out?

By Yolanda Testani, RP | Clairville Therapy Group

It’s 3 p.m., and you’re still feeling like you haven’t had a break. You’re working through lunch, answering emails in your free time, and juggling home responsibilities too. You tell yourself it’s just a busy week — but deep down, you’re not sure if it’s stress or something more serious.

If you’ve been feeling mentally and physically drained for a while, it’s important to know the difference between stress and burnout.

Stress vs. Burnout: What’s the Difference?

While stress is a natural response to pressure, burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

  • Stress often feels like a temporary feeling of being overwhelmed. You may feel anxious, on edge, or pressured — but you still have energy to manage and get things done.

  • Burnout, on the other hand, is chronic. It’s when stress becomes all-consuming, leading to feelings of hopelessness, depletion, and a lack of motivation to do anything — even the things you once enjoyed.

Signs of Stress:

  • You’re tired but still able to get through the day with some effort.

  • You feel a sense of pressure or worry but still have hope that things will get better.

  • You feel challenged but confident that you can handle things if you push through.

Signs of Burnout:

  • You feel emotionally drained, with no energy left to engage or cope.

  • You feel detached or disengaged from work, family, and hobbies.

  • You have trouble sleeping, or you sleep too much but still feel exhausted.

  • You experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or constant fatigue.

  • You feel a lack of accomplishment or a sense that nothing you do is enough.

  • You struggle with feelings of hopelessness or resentment.

What to Do If You’re Heading Toward Burnout

  1. Recognize the signs
    The sooner you notice burnout creeping in, the easier it is to manage. Pay attention to changes in mood, energy levels, and motivation.

  2. Set boundaries
    Whether it's at work, with family, or in your personal life — it’s crucial to protect your energy. Don’t be afraid to say no or ask for help.

  3. Take breaks
    Give yourself permission to rest. This may feel difficult, especially if you’re used to powering through, but rest is necessary for your recovery.

  4. Talk to a therapist
    Burnout doesn’t have to be faced alone. Therapy can help you process stress, rebuild emotional reserves, and work toward creating a more sustainable life balance.

Preventing Burnout Moving Forward

Building a life that includes self-care, supportive relationships, and clear boundaries can prevent burnout in the long term. Therapy can be a crucial step in learning how to navigate stress and support your mental health without falling into burnout.

Therapy Can Help
If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, therapy can help you find the tools to reset, rebuild, and reclaim your energy. At Clairville Therapy Group, we offer support for those struggling with stress, burnout, and work-life balance.


Ready to talk?
Book a free 15-minute consultation at www.clairvilletherapygroup.com.

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