Are You Just Stressed Or Burning Out? Psychiatrist Explains Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

We all experience stress from time to time, but when does it become something more serious—like burnout? While stress and burnout share similarities, understanding their differences is essential to maintaining mental well-being. "Stress is a state where the demands or pressures of a situation exceed the resources an individual can mobilize, whether personal or social," explains Dr Aparna Ramakrishnan Consultant, Psychiatry, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. "However, burnout results from prolonged exposure to high-stress levels, often accompanied by emotional exhaustion and a loss of motivation."

Stress is usually a short-term reaction to challenges or conflicts. It often fades once the stressor is resolved. However, if left unmanaged, stress can lead to a range of physical and mental symptoms, including:

- Physical symptoms: Tiredness, sleep issues, muscle tension, unexplained body aches and pains, headaches, and digestive problems.

- Cognitive symptoms: Memory issues, trouble concentrating, nervousness, and excessive worrying.

- Emotional symptoms: Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed.

- Behavioural symptoms: Changes in sleep and eating habits, procrastination, social withdrawal, and increased substance use.

"Not all stress is bad," adds Dr Ramakrishnan. "A certain amount of stress, called eustress, can actually be beneficial by keeping us motivated and focused. The key is to manage stress before it becomes chronic."

Burnout: When Stress Becomes UnmanageableUnlike stress, which is often temporary, burnout is a chronic condition that doesn’t go away with simple rest. "Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged involvement in demanding situations," explains Dr Ramakrishnan. "It's common in high-pressure jobs but can also affect caregivers and students."

Signs of burnout include:

- Physical symptoms: Persistent fatigue, frequent illnesses due to weakened immunity, and unexplained aches and pains.

- Cognitive symptoms: Lack of concentration, diminished productivity, feelings of worthlessness, and a sense of detachment.

- Emotional symptoms: Cynicism, emotional numbness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation.

- Behavioural symptoms: Increased absenteeism, procrastination, neglecting personal health, and reliance on substances to cope.

Dr Ramakrishnan further explains that "burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds up over time, often due to ongoing high-stress levels, lack of control over work, and poor work-life balance."

How to Protect Yourself from Burnout and Chronic StressRecognizing the early signs of stress and burnout is the first step to preventing long-term mental health issues. Dr Ramakrishnan suggests the following strategies:

"It's important to listen to your mind and body," Dr Ramakrishnan concludes. "If you're constantly exhausted, demotivated, and emotionally drained, it's time to make changes before burnout takes a toll on your health."

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