The difference between tiredness, stress, and burnout

Let’s face it: the world throws a lot at us. Work deadlines, financial strain, family commitments, social pressures – it’s no wonder we all feel tired and stressed sometimes. But what happens when that feeling never goes away? What happens when the tiredness turns into exhaustion and stress becomes overwhelming? When frazzled becomes fried, it’s burnout.

Burnout is an increasingly common issue for many workers and the middle of the year appears to be a particularly tough time for many. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), more than 33% of employees in South Africa experience burnout.

Sandra Minne, Senior Manager of People Services at Medihelp, adds her perspective: “Burnout is a growing concern in today’s workplace and can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. While everyone occasionally experiences tiredness and stress, it’s important to understand how these feelings differ from burnout and recognise the signs before they become a serious problem.”

Tiredness: Common, everyday experience

Fatigue or tiredness is simply a lack of physical or mental energy, often caused by a lack of sleep or exertion. It is usually temporary and easily addressed with rest and relaxation. Tiredness usually disappears after a good night’s sleep or a peaceful weekend.

Stress: Normal response to high demands

Stress can actually have positive effects, such as motivating us to perform better and helping us adapt and overcome obstacles. But stress can also have negative effects on our overall health.

Stress is typically triggered by short-term, external factors like heavy workloads, tight deadlines, or high expectations. While unpleasant, stress is generally manageable with healthy coping mechanisms like breaks, relaxation techniques, or addressing the stressful situation directly. However, chronic or intense stress can lead to anxiety, irritability, or fatigue.

Burnout: Big bad wolf of exhaustion

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental depletion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. Unlike stress, which is temporary, burnout is a chronic condition that results from feeling overwhelmed, drained, and unable to meet constant work demands. It leads to reduced productivity, impaired quality of work, and a loss of interest or passion in your job.

Burnout is often linked to factors such as a lack of control, recognition, or support, and requires significant changes to your lifestyle, attitude, or work environment to overcome. Left unchecked, burnout can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. The risks include:

• Physical illness
  The condition can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. Studies have also shown a link between burnout and heart disease.

• Mental health decline 
  Burnout can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can even lead to suicidal ideation.

• Strained relationships 
  Exhaustion and cynicism associated with burnout can negatively impact your interactions with loved ones and colleagues.

• Decreased work performance 
  Burnout can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and a higher risk of making mistakes.

Myths vs reality

Burnout can be a confusing beast, shrouded in misconceptions. Let’s clear the air.

Recognising the red flags

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and it manifests in several ways. Here are some warning signs to watch out for.

Physical	Mental	Emotional	Behavioural
Fatigue Insomnia Aches Neglected health and nutrition	Forgetfulness Poor decision-making Boredom Lack of creativity and motivation	Depression Anxiety Anger Guilt Feelings of worthlessness Loss of purpose	Isolation Avoiding social events Neglecting responsibilities Increased cynicism Unhealthy coping mechanisms

Recognise the signs? Here are 10 tips to recharge your batteries

If you’re feeling the burn, don’t despair. There’s hope! Check out our infographic for some handy tips on how to recharge and reclaim your well-being.

Conclusion

If left untreated, burnout can have serious consequences for your health and mental wellness. Recognising the signs of burnout and understanding the difference between tiredness, stress, and burnout is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.

“Don’t ignore the warning signs and don’t suffer in silence,” says Sandra. “Many resources are available to help you recover. Talk to your HR representative or healthcare provider for support. Remember, your well-being is important.”

By addressing these issues early and implementing strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout, employees can maintain their well-being and continue to thrive in their professional lives.

You deserve to feel better and rediscover purpose and enjoyment in your work.