🔄 Stress vs. Burnout: What's the Difference?

Stress is a normal part of life, especially in demanding work environments. It’s usually short-term and tied to a specific situation—like a deadline or a big presentation. You might feel tense, irritable, or overwhelmed, but when the pressure eases, you tend to bounce back.

Burnout, on the other hand, builds up slowly and often goes unnoticed until it’s deeply affecting your well-being. It’s not just about being tired—it’s about feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, and unable to cope, even with things you once enjoyed.

đź§  Signs of burnout may include:

  • Constant fatigue and low energy

  • Lack of motivation or sense of purpose

  • Emotional numbness or irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Physical symptoms (headaches, insomnia, digestive issues)

📚 Maslach and Leiter (2016) describe burnout as a result of chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed, leading to feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.


đź’¬ So, How Can Therapy Help?

If you’re feeling like you’re running on empty, therapy can offer a valuable space to pause, reflect, and rebuild. As a person-centred psychotherapist, I support clients in exploring the root causes of their burnout—whether it’s work-related pressure, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or lack of boundaries.

Together, we’ll work on:

  • Understanding what contributes to your stress and burnout

  • Reconnecting with your needs, values, and identity

  • Learning to set healthier boundaries

  • Building self-compassion instead of self-criticism

  • Creating a realistic and sustainable path to recovery

🌱 Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments—it’s a proactive step toward well-being.


📍Therapy in Atherton & Online

I offer therapy in a private, calming space in Atherton, Greater Manchester, as well as online and phone sessions for your convenience. Whether you’re a professional experiencing burnout or a young person struggling with pressure and identity, I’m here to help.

📞 Ready to take the first step? Book your free 15-minute consultation or learn more at
👉 www.gtacounselling.co.uk


đź§ľ References:

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: A multidimensional perspective. In C. L. Cooper (Ed.), The Routledge Companion to Wellbeing at Work (pp. 50–63). Routledge.
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. https://www.who.int

🔄 Stress vs. Burnout: What's the Difference?

Stress is a normal part of life, especially in demanding work environments. It’s usually short-term and tied to a specific situation—like a deadline or a big presentation. You might feel tense, irritable, or overwhelmed, but when the pressure eases, you tend to bounce back.

Burnout, on the other hand, builds up slowly and often goes unnoticed until it’s deeply affecting your well-being. It’s not just about being tired—it’s about feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, and unable to cope, even with things you once enjoyed.

đź§  Signs of burnout may include:

  • Constant fatigue and low energy

  • Lack of motivation or sense of purpose

  • Emotional numbness or irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Physical symptoms (headaches, insomnia, digestive issues)

📚 Maslach and Leiter (2016) describe burnout as a result of chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed, leading to feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.


đź’¬ So, How Can Therapy Help?

If you’re feeling like you’re running on empty, therapy can offer a valuable space to pause, reflect, and rebuild. As a person-centred psychotherapist, I support clients in exploring the root causes of their burnout—whether it’s work-related pressure, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or lack of boundaries.

Together, we’ll work on:

  • Understanding what contributes to your stress and burnout

  • Reconnecting with your needs, values, and identity

  • Learning to set healthier boundaries

  • Building self-compassion instead of self-criticism

  • Creating a realistic and sustainable path to recovery

🌱 Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments—it’s a proactive step toward well-being.


📍Therapy in Atherton & Online

I offer therapy in a private, calming space in Atherton, Greater Manchester, as well as online and phone sessions for your convenience. Whether you’re a professional experiencing burnout or a young person struggling with pressure and identity, I’m here to help.

📞 Ready to take the first step? Book your free 15-minute consultation or learn more at
👉 www.gtacounselling.co.uk


đź§ľ References:

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: A multidimensional perspective. In C. L. Cooper (Ed.), The Routledge Companion to Wellbeing at Work (pp. 50–63). Routledge.
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. https://www.who.int