Burnout vs Stress: Symptoms, Signs, and How to Tell the Difference
We all feel stressed sometimes: work deadlines, family responsibilities, the constant buzz of notifications. Stress can be uncomfortable, but it usually comes in waves… it rises, peaks, and eventually passes.
Burnout is different. Burnout happens when the stress doesn’t let up, when your body and mind stop bouncing back, and when the weight of “too much” starts to feel like your new normal.
What Stress Looks Like
Stress is your body’s way of saying, “Something matters.” It’s the alert system that kicks in when you have a big presentation, a tough conversation, or a pile of errands to juggle.
Common signs of stress include:
◦ Racing thoughts but still finding motivation
◦ Temporary irritability or tension
◦ Trouble sleeping, but only during high-pressure periods
◦ Relief once the task or situation is resolved
Stress is uncomfortable, but it’s often short-lived.
What Burnout Looks Like
Burnout is stress that’s been ignored for too long. Instead of coming and going, it lingers until you feel drained in every part of your life.
Signs of burnout may include:
◦ Constant exhaustion, no matter how much you sleep
◦ Feeling detached, cynical, or hopeless about work or relationships
◦ Struggling to find motivation for things that used to matter
◦ Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or lowered immunity
Burnout doesn’t fade when the project ends. It sticks, because your body and mind are tapped out.
Why the Difference Matters
◦ Stress needs coping. Things like exercise, time management, and support can help you ride out the storm.
◦ Burnout needs recovery. This might mean setting new boundaries, reevaluating workloads, or even taking extended time to heal.
◦ Naming it matters. Many modern adults in Illinois and Michigan come to therapy saying they feel “stressed,” when really they’re in burnout; and that changes how we care for ourselves.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re feeling stretched thin, check in with yourself: Is this stress that will pass, or is it burnout that needs deeper care?
Neither one means you’re weak. Both are signs that your body is asking for something different; whether that’s a pause, a reset, or more lasting changes.
Stress is like weather; it passes. Burnout is like climate; it sticks around until you change the conditions. Knowing which one you’re in can help you choose the right kind of care.
When to Consider Therapy
If you’re not sure whether you’re stressed or burned out, therapy can help you untangle the difference and find relief. At Sohail Counseling & Care, our therapists in Illinois and Michigan work with adults to recover from stress, anxiety, and burnout with culturally aware, trauma-informed care.
