The Difference Between Burnout and Stress

"Stress and burnout are not the same. Burnout is a kind of job depression and is caused by a feeling of powerlessness; it is not caused by stress - though it is stressful. Stress is a taxing of the body.

Burnout is a motivational problem. A person struggling with burnout is demotivated, dispirited, depressed - down. Whereas a highly stressed person may be highly enthusiastic - tho driving their body.

Stress is the "fever' of burnout. As with pneumonia. A high fever must be reduced or there is a risk of brain damage - BUT once reduced the pneumonia is still there. Similarly with burnout - the stress must be reduced but reducing stress does not deal with the job situations rendering the person helpless. The person must develop a feeling of controllability.

Burnout is caused by feelings of uncontrollability. Powerlessness, damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situations. It is prevented by developing feelings of control over the job - which is an ongoing process."

We Invite You to Contact Us

Over a number of years we have coached many, many leaders and executives experiencing job related stress and burnout. An initial conversation will determine if and how we might assist you or your company. Burnout and stress have their causes and they can be dealt with.

Call our office at 705.687.2711 or email us here.

Share Your Experience with Burnout.

We'd like to hear your experiences dealing with burnout. Your insights may be helpful to someone else. What happened (briefly)? What do you feel were the contributing factors? How did you deal with burnout? What tips would you give to help others with avoiding burnout?

<< Previous / Next >>

Return to Articles ( From Burnout and Stress)