Stress and burnout are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Stress is a normal response to life’s demands, while burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that develops from prolonged, unmanaged stress.
Stress can sometimes be helpful – it motivates us to meet deadlines, solve problems, or stay alert. However, when stress becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can lead to burnout, leaving a person feeling emotionally drained, detached, and unable to cope.
Recognising the difference between stress and burnout is important, as addressing stress early can help prevent burnout from developing.
At The Victorian Psychology Clinic we recognise that stress and burnout requires a tailored, evidence-based approach. In line with our values, we aim to work collaboratively with our clients, referrers and other professionals involved in our clients care including general practitioners, other allied health professionals and psychiatrists.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress and Burnout
Both stress and burnout impact how we think, feel, and function, but they present in different ways.
Stress symptoms:
- Feeling overwhelmed, pressured, or unable to keep up.
- Physical tension, headaches, or difficulty sleeping.
- Irritability, frustration, or mood swings.
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating.
- Anxiety or worry about responsibilities.
- A sense of urgency but still feeling somewhat in control.
Burnout symptoms:
- Emotional exhaustion – feeling drained, detached, or empty.
- Reduced motivation – finding it hard to care about work, responsibilities, or goals.
- Cognitive difficulties – brain fog, forgetfulness, and impaired decision-making.
- Increased cynicism or detachment – feeling disconnected from work or others.
- Physical symptoms – chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, or frequent illness.
- A sense of helplessness – feeling like nothing will change or improve.
Burnout often develops gradually, starting with high stress levels, then progressing to exhaustion and detachment. Without intervention, it can lead to serious mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or complete withdrawal from responsibilities.
Treatment for Stress and Burnout
The good news is that both stress and burnout can be managed with the right strategies and support. Here are some ways that our psychologists can assist you with stress and burnout.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no and protect time for rest.
- Prioritise self-care: Regular sleep, exercise, and healthy eating help buffer stress. Break tasks into manageable steps - overwhelm often comes from feeling like everything must be done at once.
- Identify the Root cause: Identify and address the root cause, whether it’s workload, perfectionism, or emotional strain, recognising what’s driving burnout is key.
- Reconnect with Pleasure: Engage in activities that restore energy - hobbies, time in nature, or anything that brings joy can help rebuild emotional resources.
- Reassess Expectations: Perfectionism and overcommitting can contribute to burnout.
- Break tasks into manageable steps - overwhelm often comes from feeling like everything must be done at once.
How we can support you
At VPC, we help individuals manage stress, recover from burnout, and build resilience to prevent future overwhelm.
- Our psychologists help clients recognise when stress is becoming unmanageable. Clients learn tailored coping skills to manage pressure and regain balance.
- Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches: We explore patterns that contribute to burnout and help shift unhelpful thinking styles.
- Whether stress is linked to work, caregiving, studies, or personal pressures, we provide strategies to help.
- For those already experiencing burnout, therapy offers a structured path toward regaining energy and motivation.
If stress or burnout is impacting your well-being, support is available.
We have a number of clinicians who work with eating disorders. To learn more, please refer to our Psychologists page for clinician details.
If you are currently experiencing eating difficulties or body image concerns and would like to begin your journey to recovery, get in touch with us. We are here to help.