Stress Vs Burnout: How Working Women Can Tell The Difference

Many working women ask themselves: am I just stressed, or am I burning out? For months, I downplayed my burnout symptoms as temporary stress, rather than connecting the dots and understanding I needed to make a change. But I now know that understanding the difference between stress versus burnout in working women is critical for protecting our wellbeing.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It usually happens when we feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands over a long period of time, leading to a decrease in motivation and productivity.

The WHO definition versus real life experience

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," emphasising that it is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. However, it’s important to recognise that burnout can stem from various life aspects, including family responsibilities, caregiving, and social pressures.

But burnout isn't just stress. Some stress is normal and can even help us perform well. Burnout happens when we are subject to continual stress which, over time, becomes more than our ability to cope.

The stress-resilience balance explained

I like to think of it as a set of scales with every day stressors on one side and your resilience and ability to manage those stressors on the other. Most of the time you have the strength and mental wellness to manage what life throws at you so the scale remains balanced or even tips in favor of wellness. However, over time if the every day stressors get too much or your resilience is degraded, the scales can tip in the other direction, resulting in burnout.

Why burnout is on the rise in working women

Burnout is now a significant societal concern with The Mental Health UK Burnout Report warning that the UK is on the verge of becoming a “burnt out nation”. It reports that 91% of adults they spoke to in the UK said they experienced high or extreme pressure or stress at some point in the past year. So, if you are feeling this way, know you are not alone.

The rise of burnout is often attributed to multiple factors, including increased workplace pressures, the blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life, and the influence of technology. However, the truth is no one knows why burnout has had such a rapid rise in recent years.

Working women are particularly vulnerable because they frequently juggle work alongside a larger share of domestic duties, caregiving and social pressures. In fact one survey of over 2000 UK working adults found that over 35% of women experience frequent burnout.

Stress vs burnout in working women: the key difference

Although related, burnout is not the same as stress. Some stress in our lives is expected and can help us perform well, so how can you tell the difference?

High energy levels and motivation

For me the key difference is your energy levels. Feeling anxious but super motivated? running from one thing to another at a hundred miles an hour and finding it difficult to relax? This is stress. This is ok for a short period of time, in fact these are the times I push myself out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, learn and develop. Lets face it, how can you perform your best at an important meeting without a little stress?

Short term stress versus chronic stress

The issue comes if this develops into chronic stress, where you find yourself unable to switch off and this becomes your "modus operandi". If you live every day in a state where your stressors outweigh your ability to handle them and you don't take the time to switch off and rest, you start to feel burnt out.

This feels different, your energy levels drop off a cliff, you feel completely demotivated and no longer take pride in what you are doing. You might start each day so tired you are not sure how you are going to manage, maybe you start to over rely on caffeine and sugar to get you through, and even taking time off does not seem to make a difference. This is edging towards burnout.

Summary of key differences

Why its critical to know the difference

How to handle stress safely

Its critical to know the difference because the treatment for stress and burnout is different. If you are feeling a little stressed over a short period of time, you can push through. Everyone has busy periods where they knuckle down, get stuff done, push themselves, learn and develop. Its ok, in fact good, to push yourself a little during these times. The key is to make sure you factor in sufficient rest time to maintain balance.

Why burnout requires a different approach

Burnout is different. If you start to experience burnout symptoms, trying to push through will only make things worse. With burnout, the problem is not temporary. You are not going to "get used to it" and eventually your body or soul (or quite often both) will fall in a crumpled heap on the floor. You can't "push through" burnout.

Why working women often ignore the signs?

The pressure to have it all

Reflecting on my experience, its difficult to comprehend how I continued in my situation for so long despite feeling so uncomfortable. I now understand that I convinced myself I was doing the right thing, making good decisions, managing or even thriving. I assured myself I was living the life I was meant to have—busy, productive, fulfilling, successful. This is what “having it all” looks like.

Denial and external blame

Deep down, I suspect I knew I wasn't healthy and happy, but I refused to accept it. If I did acknowledge something was wrong, I would attribute my discomfort to an external factor. Everything's fine, it's just that this one client is being unreasonable; once I finish this project, I'll be back to normal; or if I can just get one good night's sleep, it will be okay.

Denial is particularly common with burnout because it can be difficult for us to accept that we are not coping with our life. Our society places a high value on being busy, successful and "having it all". Admitting to yourself and others that you are struggling may feel like you are admitting you are in some way failing and no one finds that easy. That's why so many of us ignore the signs and just keep going.

Signs of burnout in working women

Identifying burnout can be hard. The symptoms often develop gradually, creeping up on you, making it easy for you to dismiss each one as unconnected or temporary.

You may recognise that feeling of exhaustion but being unable to sleep, being overwhelmed, irritable, unable to get things done as you used to. Or maybe you know you need a break but when you take one you are unable to relax, or when you finally do, it just never seems long enough. Maybe you have started to feel a sense of detachment from your own life or can’t seem to get the same enjoyment in things. These are all symptoms of burnout, not just stress.

You can read a full list of my top ten early signs of burnout in working women in my other post but some common symptoms are:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope, with a persistent sense of tiredness that affects daily activities.

  
  

• Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative attitude towards work or life, often accompanied by feelings of disconnectedness from others.

  
  

• Reduced Performance: A noticeable decrease in productivity and effectiveness, leading to feelings of incompetence and inadequacy.

  
  

• Social Withdrawal: Isolating yourself from friends and family, reflecting a desire to detach from responsibilities and obligations.

  
  

How to recognise the warning signs early

It’s important to understand that experiencing some of these signs occasionally does not mean you are experiencing burnout. However, awareness is critical so you can recognise when you might be at risk.

If you’re wondering whether you might be experiencing more than everyday stress, download my free Anti-Burnout Check-In Guide to reflect, reset, and build resilience.

Building awareness and resilience

Building awareness and resilience is a key part of my Anti-Burnout Mindset Framework. Check out my free resources on line and sign up for my newsletter for ongoing support.

www.balancingbluebells.co.uk

Mairi Joyce

23 August 2025