Stress is the adverse psychological and physical reaction that occurs in an individual as a result of them being unable to cope with their demand of being in the situation.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It's when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet constant demands.

Stress and burnout has comparisons as discussed below:

• Stress is characterized by over engagement, it occurs when an individual has a lot of engagement for example a lot of work to do that is too much for them, whereas burnout is characterized by disengagement. This is a point whereby an individual reaches a point of no return, and some feel so weak that they can't engage themselves anymore.

• In stress emotions are over reactive and someone who is undergoing stress may breakdown whereas in burnout emotions are blunted, in this scenario people are emotionally drained.

• Stress produces urgency and hyperactivity whereas burnout produces helplessness and hopelessness.

• People undergoing stress experience loss of energy, they tend to be weak whereas people who undergo burnout experience loss of motivation, ideals and hope.

• Stress leads to anxiety disorders whereas burnout leads to detachment and depression.

• In stress the primary damage is mostly physical, for example, weight loss, changes in moods and so on whereas in burnout primary change is emotional for example depression and so on.

• Stress may kill you prematurely whereas burnout may make life seem not worth living.

• Stress and burnout both leads to dissatisfaction with work that come as a result of being bored about work.

Causes of Burnout

Work Related Causes of Burnout

• Feeling like you have little or no control over your work.

• Lack of recognition or reward for good work.

• Unclear or overly demanding job expectations.

• Doing work that is monotonous or unchallenged.

• Working in a chaotic or highly pressure environment.

Lifestyle Causes of Burnout

• Working too much without enough time for socializing or relaxing.

• Lack of close, supportive relationships.

• Taking on too many responsibilities without enough help from others.

• Not getting enough sleep.

Personality Traits Can Contribute To Burnout

• Perfectionistic tendencies, nothing is ever good enough.

• Pessimistic view of yourself and the world.

• The need to be in control, reluctance to delegate to others.

• High-achieving, Type A personality.

Symptoms of Burnout

• Alienation from work-related activities. Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about working conditions and the people they work with.

• Sleep issues: Someone is permanently tired physically, emotionally and mentally but no matter how much sleep you get, you never feel rested. People with burnout experience oversleeping or insomnia.

• Dread going to work: Just thinking about your job fills you with angst. When the idea of being fired or laid off seems like a positive outcome.

• Getting sick a lot: Burnout can tax your immune system which means you get ill more often and it takes longer to recover when you do. Other symptoms include; headaches, digestive issues and muscle tensions.

• Loss of motivation and sense of purpose: The physical and mental exhaustion wear a person down over time. People experience trouble pushing themselves to complete tasks and assignments because work feels pointless. This comes with a feeling of pessimism, negative attitude and feeling detached from reality.

• Isolating oneself: In most cases people experiencing burnout feel like they can't afford to take a break, nor do they have the energy to engage with other people. Its often fueled by feelings of guilt, that's there is no desire to seek help or even socialize with co-workers.

• Suffering work performance: Shot concentration and creativity leading to low productivity and making more mistakes. People also find it difficult to maintain positive relationships with colleagues, romantic partners and friends.

Symptoms of Stress

When a person has long-term (chronic) stress, continued activation of the stress response causes wear and tear on the body. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms develop.

● Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Aches and pains.

• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.

• Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.

• Headaches, dizziness, or shaking.

• High blood pressure.

• Muscle tension or jaw clenching.

• Stomach or digestive problems.

• Trouble having sex.

• Weak immune system.

Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like:

• Anxiety or irritability.

• Depression.

• Panic attacks.

• Sadness.

Unhealthy Behaviors for Managing Chronic Stress

Often, people with chronic stress try to manage it with unhealthy behaviors. These behaviors may provide temporary relief but can lead to long-term negative consequences. Here are some common unhealthy coping mechanisms:

• Drinking Alcohol Too Much or Too Often: Individuals may turn to alcohol to relax or numb their stress. While it may offer a temporary escape, excessive drinking can lead to dependency, liver damage, and other health issues. It can also exacerbate mental health problems and impair judgment, leading to risky behaviors.

• Gambling can offer a thrilling distraction from stress. However, it can quickly become addictive, leading to financial problems, relationship issues, and increased stress levels. The compulsive nature of gambling can create a cycle of stress and addiction.

• Overeating or Developing an Eating Disorder: Stress can trigger overeating or lead to the development of eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. Food may provide comfort in the short term, but overeating can result in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating disorders can have severe physical and psychological effects, often requiring professional treatment.

• Participating Compulsively in Sex, Shopping, or Internet Browsing: Engaging in activities like sex, shopping, or internet browsing can serve as a distraction from stress. When done compulsively, these behaviors can lead to addiction, financial problems, and interpersonal conflicts. They often provide only temporary relief, contributing to an ongoing cycle of stress.

• Smoking: Nicotine in cigarettes can create a temporary sense of relaxation, making smoking a common stress-relief method. However, smoking is highly addictive and increases the risk of numerous health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

• Using Drugs, whether prescription or illegal, can be used to escape or dull the sensation of stress. Drug use can lead to addiction, legal issues, and severe health consequences, including overdose. The temporary relief provided by drugs is often followed by increased stress and health deterioration.

While these behaviors might offer short-term relief from chronic stress, they generally result in negative long-term effects. It's important to seek healthier coping mechanisms and professional help when dealing with chronic stress to avoid these detrimental outcomes.