Anxiety Vs Burnout
What’s The Difference
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck—but how do you know whether you’re experiencing anxiety, burnout, or both?
Though they can feel similar, anxiety and burnout are distinct experiences with different root causes—and understanding the difference is an important first step toward finding relief.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s what you feel when you’re anticipating a challenge, worried about something in the future, or sensing danger (real or imagined). While some anxiety is completely normal, persistent anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with your daily life.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Racing thoughts or excessive worry
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness or irritability
Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping
Avoidance of triggering situations or decisions
Anxiety tends to come and go, often tied to specific worries or situations—but it can also become chronic if left unaddressed.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress—especially related to work, caregiving, or other demanding roles. It’s not just about being tired; it’s about feeling drained, detached, and often hopeless about your ability to keep going.
Common signs of burnout include:
Feeling emotionally depleted or numb
A sense of dread about work or responsibilities
Reduced performance or motivation
Increased cynicism or disconnection
Physical fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
Burnout builds up gradually over time. You may not notice it at first, but it can sneak up and take a toll on your well-being.
Key Differences
Anxiety
Cause Worry, fear, or perceived threats
Emotional tone Heightened alertness, fear, urgency
Energy levels Often wired or restless.
Recovery Can fluctuate and improve with breaks
Burnout
Cause Chronic stress, especially from work
Emotional tone Numbness, detachment, hopelessness
Energy levels Often exhausted or depleted
Recovery Can fluctuate and improve with breaks Requires sustained rest and boundaries
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many people experience anxiety-driven burnout—especially those who put high pressure on themselves or work in demanding environments. Left unchecked, anxiety can lead to burnout, and burnout can make anxiety worse.
How Therapy Can Help
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, burnout, or a mix of both, therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what you need. Together, we can explore the root causes of your stress, develop coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and sustainable.
You don’t have to carry it all alone.
Interested in learning more or getting support?
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation—I’d be happy to talk with you.