My patient portalRush
Go to main contentGo to footerMaking an appointmentGo to accessibility settings
AND Call us Menu Close
Home Patient information Mental health Stress and burnout

Stress and burnout

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. A busy job, worries about your health, moving house, caring for a loved one or financial problems can all cause stress. Usually, that stress goes away again.

But sometimes worries pile up and you find it hard to get enough rest. This can lead to symptoms that affect your body, your thoughts and your daily life.

What is stress?

Stress is your body’s natural response to situations that cause tension or pressure, such as work, study, caring for a loved one, illness or financial worries. A little stress is normal and can help you stay alert. If stress persists for a long time, it can affect your health and daily life.

What symptoms can be associated with stress?

Stress can manifest itself in various ways, both physically and mentally. Some examples of symptoms include:

  • Headaches, muscle pain and neck and shoulder problems
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating and worrying
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations

It is important to recognise these signs and take action to manage stress before it escalates.

What is burnout?

When you are suffering from burnout, the balance between exertion and recovery has been disrupted for a prolonged period. You are experiencing so much stress that your body and mind are struggling to recover. As a result, you may feel exhausted, emotionally drained or constantly tense.

Burnout often develops gradually. It can be caused, for example, by a combination of work pressure, caring for a family member, relationship problems, financial worries or major life events.

Symptoms associated with, amongst other things, burnout include:

  • You quickly feel overwhelmed
  • You’re feeling emotional or easily irritated
  • You worry a lot
  • You find it hard to concentrate
  • You’re not sleeping well
  • You feel constantly tired

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Your body and mind are, as it were, worn out. People suffering from burnout often feel extremely tired and find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. Even simple activities can take a lot of energy.

Burnout often occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with constant demands. This is a gradual process that develops over a longer period of time and can have serious consequences for your well-being and ability to function.

Possible signs of burnout

The symptoms of burnout are often more severe and long-lasting than those of stress. Symptoms may include:

  • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
  • No longer deriving any pleasure from work or other activities
  • Reduced performance and productivity
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems
  • Feeling as though it’s all too much

If you experience these symptoms, it is vital to seek professional help.

What is the difference between stress, being overworked and burnout?

When you’re stressed, you feel tense, but you can still recover after resting or relaxing. If the stress persists for a longer period and you’re unable to recover fully, you may be suffering from burnout. You’ll find it increasingly difficult to keep up with your daily activities.

Burnout occurs when the body and mind have been under prolonged strain. You often feel completely exhausted, and recovery can take months.

Can you recognise the signs of burnout?

Do you think you might be suffering from stress or burnout? If so, make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will discuss your symptoms with you and work with you to work out what’s going on. Sometimes, several appointments are needed to get a clear picture of the situation.

What can you do yourself?

1.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for relaxation

Make time every day for something that helps you relax, such as going for a walk, reading, listening to music or pursuing a hobby.
2.

Keep moving

Regular exercise helps to reduce stress and allows your body and mind to relax.
3.

Make sure you stick to a regular sleep routine

Try to go to bed and get up at roughly the same time every day. Getting enough sleep helps you recover better from stress.
4.

Talk about it

Talk about your worries with people you trust. It can be a relief and help you see things in perspective.
5.

Set boundaries

Don’t try to do everything at once. Have the courage to say no and decide what’s really important right now.
6.

Find a balance between exercise and rest

Take breaks at regular intervals and set aside time to recharge. This will help prevent stress from building up.

When should you contact your GP?

Please contact your GP if:

  • The symptoms last for longer.
  • It affects your day-to-day functioning.
  • You suffer a lot from tiredness or sleep problems.
  • You are no longer able to work, study or look after yourself properly.
  • You find that stress or low mood is increasingly getting the upper hand.

Your GP can work with you to find out what’s going on and what support would be appropriate. For example, it may help to have a chat with the mental health practice support worker or a psychologist, or to start using self-help programmes.

Making an appointment