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Stress and Burnout

At this time of year, it can feel like a bit more of a limp to the finish line, rather than a sprint, as we head towards Christmas and the New Year. Add in all the challenges and interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years and it’s no wonder people are feeling a little burnt out and fatigued.

But when do those feelings of tiredness and weariness indicate that there is something more going on with your health and wellbeing?

Is it just stress or burnout?

Stress is a normal part of being human and something that we all experience when we are faced with a challenging situation or feel under pressure, particularly at this time of year!

Stress can cause physical, mental and behavioural reactions in the body, as it responds to the release of stress hormones. Some of the symptoms of stress include:

  • Headaches, aches and pains
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach or diarrhoea
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling overwhelmed and out of control
  • Sudden outbursts of anger
  • Avoidance
  • Overeating or undereating
  • Alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse

People will react to stress differently, depending on their personality, attitude and approach to life. Knowing yourself and how you respond to stress can help you understand what works for you in managing stress.

While stress can sometimes be a useful motivator and push us to get things done, experiencing too much or ongoing stress can affect our mental and physical health.

In fact, ongoing stress can contribute to a number of health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

We also know that stress is the main contributor to burnout.

What is Burnout?

While stress and burnout are linked, they are different. Stress can feel like being over-reactive or overly engaged, whereas burnout can feel like disengagement or lacking motivation or that you’ve had the life completely sucked out of you.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

Essentially, burnout is a condition that is caused by an individual’s work. It is generally characterised by:

  • feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
  • increased mental distance from one’s work, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s work; and
  • reduced professional efficacy.

According to Reach Out, some of the signs of burnout include:

  • Feeling physically and emotionally exhausted and unable to perform basic tasks.
  • Losing motivation in life, including with work and friendships.
  • An inability to focus or concentrate on tasks.
  • Feeling empty or lacking in emotion.
  • Losing passion and drive.
  • Experiencing conflict in your relationships with co-workers, friends and family.
  • Withdrawing emotionally from friends and family.

It’s important to note that burnout is not a medical condition, nor is it something that occurs due to a person’s lack of resilience. Burnout does not discriminate in who it affects and, if left untreated, it can cause depression, anxiety and impact on both professional and personal relationships.

How to prevent stress and burnout

Being aware of feeling stressed or burnt out is an important first step in managing these conditions.

Other things you can do to help manage stress and burnout include:

  • Taking regular time-out to relax, including time each day to switch off from technology.
  • Exercising regularly – aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.
  • Eating well – include plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty and sugary foods.
  • Limiting alcohol.
  • Getting enough sleep each night.
  • Spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself.
  • Setting boundaries so that you are not overextending yourself.
  • Staying connected with colleagues, family and friends and encouraging open discussions about how you are feeling and what support you might need.
  • Having some fun and doing activities that make you feel happy, to keep balance in your life.

Concerned about your health?

It’s important to see your doctor if you:

  • Feel stressed often.
  • Experience particular things that stress you and feel beyond your control.
  • Believe your reactions to stress are extreme or worry you.
  • Feel anxious or depressed about stress.

If you have any concerns about your health or are feeling overwhelmed with burnout and stress, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns.

Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

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