Let’s be honest life can get overwhelmed and we can get really confused on what has caught us so much. Whether it’s work deadlines, personal challenges, or just the constant pressure to keep up, we’ve all felt that mental and emotional weight at some point where we feel like nothing is in our control or we are of not good anymore. But how do you know when you’re just stressed or when it might be something more?
These words like burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression are spoken around a lot these days. And while they’re often used interchangeably, they’re actually quite difference and those differences really matter. Understanding what you’re feeling can be the first, and often most important, step toward feeling better and your approach towards healing.
So, what exactly is stress?
Stress is something we all experience. It’s your body’s way of responding to a challenge like when you’re preparing for a big presentation or dealing with an unexpected change. In small episodes, stress can even be helpful. But when it lingers too long or piles on from all directions, it can take a serious toll.
Common signs of stress to look out for:
- Feeling overwhelmed but still somewhat in control
- Having trouble sleeping or focusing
- Getting frequent headaches or body aches
- Feeling short-tempered or easily frustrated
- Stress is usually tied to a specific situation and when that situation passes, the stress tends to fade too.
Burnout: When stress sticks around too long and you are tired of it
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a deep, emotional exhaustion that builds up over time, especially when you’re constantly giving more than you’re getting back (job, responsibilities, relationships).
Symptoms of burnout:
- You feel numb or disconnected from your work or daily life
- Motivation? What’s that.
- You’re running on empty, even after rest
- The things you used to care about… now feel like a burden
Burnout vs stress? Stress is usually about doing too much. Burnout feels like you’ve got nothing left to give.
Anxiety: The worry that doesn’t turn off
Everyone worries sometimes but anxiety takes it to another level. It’s persistent, overwhelming, and often shows up even when there’s no obvious cause.
What anxiety might feel like:
- Racing thoughts that won’t slow down
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge” all the time
- Trouble sleeping, even when you’re exhausted and too tired for doing anything
- Avoiding situations that make you anxious
- Physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or tight chest
Burnout vs anxiety? Burnout is often tied to specific roles or environments. Anxiety can affect every part of your life even when things seem “fine” on the outside.
Depression: More than just feeling down
We all have tough days. But depression is different. It’s not just about being sad it’s a heavy, persistent feeling that makes even the smallest things feel impossible.
You might be experiencing depression if:
- You feel hopeless or helpless most days
- You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy
- Your energy is low, no matter how much you rest
- You find it hard to get out of bed or take care of yourself
- You’re feeling worthless, or questioning your purpose
Burnout vs depression? Burnout usually affects one part of your life (like work). Depression seeps into everything. Difference between burnout and depression is important. Because in burnout you are doing everything that seem possible for you to do yet that is not enough while in depression you drop everything and go into hibernation.
Anxiety vs depression vs stress?
- Stress is a response to something external.
- Anxiety is persistent internal worry.
- Depression is a loss of joy, energy, and connection.
Why it matters to know the difference?
When you can name what you’re feeling, it’s easier to figure out what kind of support will help. Maybe it’s setting better boundaries at work. Maybe it’s seeing a therapist. Maybe it’s both.
Whatever you’re going through you deserve the support. This isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about understanding yourself with compassion.
At Wholesome Psychiatry, we help people just like you every day. People who are trying to figure out if what they’re feeling is just stress or something more than that. Our mental health services in California are here to guide you through that process in a safe, supportive space.
A few gentle questions to ask yourself
- Am I tired… or am I emotionally exhausted?
- Do I still find joy in anything?
- Is my mind always racing?
- When was the last time I felt like myself?
If you’re unsure of the answers, that’s okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out for help.
You’re not alone and you don’t have to necessarily figure this out by yourself
Whatever it is: stressed, burned out, anxious, or depressed, it’s a valid feeling. And there is a way forward.
If you’re ready to understand what’s really going on and get the support you deserve, we’re here.
Click here to book your adult psychiatric evaluation.
Let’s take the next step together.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”
- American Psychological Association (APA) – Stress and Health
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Anxiety Disorders
- Mayo Clinic – Depression (major depressive disorder)
