Mental health at work

We often hear the words stress and burnout used as if they're interchangeable, but they're not the same.

Stress is typically short term, and it's the body's immediate reaction to a current situation or challenge.

For example, a looming deadline at work or a family issue that's been playing on your mind.

And this can cause physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems, and mental health symptoms, such as feeling overwhelmed and struggling to concentrate or make decisions.

This, in turn, can lead to behavioural changes in your sleeping patterns and eating habits, or becoming more irritable with others.

The stress is usually temporary and it tends to pass once that pressure you're facing has lifted.

With exercise, relaxation techniques, and social connection, all being useful tools for managing it in the meantime.

Burnout, on the other hand, is what happens when stress is left unchecked.

It's a longer term state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that's often caused by prolonged and excessive stress, and it builds slowly over time, and it can manifest with physical symptoms such as persistent fatigue or disturbed sleep, and also mental health symptoms such as emotional exhaustion and brain fog.

And this can lead to behavioural changes like reduced productivity, becoming detached and isolated, and seeking escapism through negative coping strategies such as food or alcohol.

And it can take longer to recover from as well, with lifestyle changes required such as disconnecting from work, prioritising rest, and setting stricter boundaries.

It's important to remember that neither is a sign of failure or an inability to cope.

The natural, biological and physiological response is actually designed to help you recognise when you're overstretched or running on empty, and that's why it's crucial to spot the signs early and take proactive steps to redress the balance and restore your overall well-being as quickly as possible.