Anxiety vs Burnout: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do Next

Let’s be honest, life can feel a lot sometimes. Between work, relationships, bills, and the constant ping of notifications, it’s no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed. But when that overwhelmed feeling lingers, it can be hard to know: Am I anxious… or am I burnt out?

While anxiety and burnout can look similar, they’re not the same. And knowing the difference is key to finding the right support.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a big presentation. It’s a mental health condition that involves persistent worry, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping. It can show up suddenly or feel like a constant low hum in the background of your life.

Signs of anxiety might include:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Restlessness or irritability

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Overthinking and imagining worst-case scenarios

• Physical tension, like headaches or stomachaches

  
  

Anxiety is often future-focused: “What if something goes wrong?” or “What if I mess this up?”

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, usually caused by chronic stress, especially related to work or caregiving. It doesn’t just drain your energy, it can dim your sense of purpose and joy.

Common signs of burnout include:

• Feeling emotionally numb or detached

• Reduced performance or productivity

• Constant fatigue, even after rest

• Cynicism or negativity about work/life

• A sense of “going through the motions”

  
  

Burnout tends to feel more like: “I can’t do this anymore.”

The Overlap: Why It’s Confusing

Anxiety and burnout often go hand in hand. You might start off feeling anxious, overcommitting, striving to be perfect—and over time, that can wear you down into burnout.

That’s why it’s important to check in with yourself regularly and notice the patterns. Are your thoughts racing? Or are you just feeling numb? Are you panicking, or are you just done?

So… What Can You Do Next?

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, or both, the first step is acknowledging it. You don’t have to wait until you hit a breaking point.

Here are a few next steps:

• Talk to someone. Therapy is a safe space to figure out what’s going on and how to feel better.

• Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not be everything to everyone.

• Try mindfulness tools. Meditation, breathing exercises, or even short walks can help ground your nervous system.

• Explore therapy modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or LENS Neurofeedback for nervous system support.

  
  

Let’s Figure It Out Together

At The Wise Self, we understand that no two journeys look the same. Whether you’re feeling wired and restless or flat and exhausted, we’re here to help you make sense of it all and guide you toward relief that actually works for you.

Ready to feel like yourself again? Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s find the right support for you.