What’s the difference between stress and burnout?

The words stress and burnout are sometimes used interchangeably – especially in workplaces. But while they share some similarities, there are key differences.

What is stress?

Stress is the response felt by your mind and body in relation to an event or situation.

It’s part and parcel of daily life - whether it’s the frustration of being caught in the morning rush hour, unexpected visitors or trying to juggle various commitments.

It can be both positive and negative. A small amount of stress can motivate you, however, when the stress is sustained or coming from multiple sources then it can affect your wellbeing.

Everyone is different when it comes to stress. What may cause one person stress, may actually have a positive effect on another person.

Stress is normally short-term, while burnout take place over a longer period.Prolonged stress can sometimes lead to burnout. But this doesn’t always happen.

Stress tends to be characterised by over-engagement and is associated with overactive emotions, whereas burnout is characterised by disengagement and emotions that are muted.

What is burnout?

Burnout is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a syndrome as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

The WHO says it can be characterised by feeling of energy depletion or exhaustion, feelings of negativity or cynicism towards your job or reduced professional effectiveness.

Burnout is considered to be an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition. Therefore, if the root cause of your burnout is your work situation, it’s important to talk to your employer – whether that’s your manager or HR department. They need to understand how your work is affecting you. Employers have a duty to provide support to staff.

What are the signs of burnout?

We all have days when we feel stressed and overloaded but when you feel like this most of the time you may be burned out. The signs of burnout can be subtle at first.

Symptoms to look out for include headaches, aches and pain, sleep issues, fatigue, muscle tension, concentration difficulties, anxiety, low mood or emotional numbness, reduced productivity, lack of purpose or motivation, increased cynicism, feeling detached and absenteeism. Everyone will have an individual response.

These symptoms can also be related to other conditions such as anxiety or depression and so it’s important to talk to your GP or a mental health professional particularly if you experience them over a sustained period of time.

What can you do about burnout?

See a list of steps you can take to prevent burnout or if you realise, you’re already affected by it.

Set boundaries

Learn how to say “no” and where possible delegate tasks. Set realistic expectations around working hours.

Take breaks

Taking a break is important in all areas of our lives, whether this is at work, home, or just taking time away from social media. We can take breaks in all sorts of ways whether that’s simply finding five minutes for ourselves, making sure that we have our lunch break, or going on a relaxing weekend away. Breaks are also important in our personal lives. It’s especially important to make time for ourselves when we are feeling emotionally drained.

Find value in your work

It can be helpful to identify the parts of the job that you do enjoy. Reframing the way you think about your work can help you regain control and a sense of purpose.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is important to both our mental and physical health. Prolonged lack of sleep can lead to tension, irritability and low mood and can affect both concentration and our ability to make decisions.

Make self-care a priority

When we feel stressed, we may not find time for hobbies, but these are the things that help to relieve stress. Activities such as yoga, meditation, relaxation or breathing techniques or massage can all help to reduce the physical symptoms of stress.

Get in touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial appointment.

You can also call me on +350 5400 1041 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging a session.

Sessions take place in Gibraltar

Online and Phone sessions also available

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes

Sessions cost £50 per session

Please Note that if you want to cancel an appointment, I require 24 hours’ notice; otherwise, you will still need to pay for any sessions missed.

All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.

Frequently asked questions

Counseling is generally a shorter-term approach focused on addressing specific issues or problems. It's often goal-oriented, helping individuals find practical solutions and develop coping skills.
Therapy is typically a longer-term process that explores deeper underlying issues and patterns of behaviour. It aims to promote personal growth and self-discovery.

Which is right for you? The best approach depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're dealing with a specific problem or looking for immediate solutions, counseling might be a good fit. If you're seeking to address deeper-rooted issues or explore personal growth, therapy may be more appropriate.

Remember: The most important factor is finding a practitioner who you feel comfortable with and who can provide the support you need.

There’s no fixed or ideal length of time for the counselling process; it varies from person to person and will often depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. While I can work on an open-ended basis with clients, I find it is helpful for us to both agree before we start on undertaking a certian nunebr of sessions and reviewing where we are at once we reach that point. You are able to decide how long your therapy willl last, and in return my aim is to make sure therapy continues for only as long as it is of benefit to you.

This depends on what your needs are. Some people find that after only a very few sessions they have some clarity and focus and are ready to end the therapy. Other people value the ongoing support and relationship with me and will continue to come for weeks, months, or even years. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to therapy.

Generally, you can expect to schedule your initial appointment within 1-2 weeks. However, the exact wait time may vary depending on your availability and the specific type of counseling you need.

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental principle of counseling. Unlike talking to friends or family, counseling offers a safe and private space to discuss your thoughts and feelings.

However, there are a few exceptions:

Legal requirements: In certain situations, such as child protection concerns, I may be required to disclose information by law.
Risk of harm: If you indicate that you are at risk of harming yourself or others, I may need to break confidentiality to ensure your safety.

It's important to note that breaking confidentiality is rare and only done in extreme circumstances.

By providing a safe and confidential environment, counseling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or consequences.

While it's understandable to want support from loved ones, it's generally best to attend counseling sessions alone. This allows for a more focused and open conversation between you and your counselor.

Here's why:

Confidentiality: Counseling sessions are private and confidential. Having a friend or relative present can compromise this privacy.
Focus: Your counselor can better address your specific needs and concerns when you're the primary focus of the session.
Vulnerability: Counseling often involves exploring sensitive topics. Having a loved one present may make it difficult to be fully open and honest.

If you're feeling anxious or unsure about coming alone, please discuss your concerns with your counselor. They can provide support and reassurance.

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