Stress and Burnout
Stress is a normal human response to pressure or challenge. When stress becomes prolonged or overwhelming, it can start to affect physical health, mental wellbeing, work performance and relationships. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion that can develop after long periods of unmanaged stress, particularly in work or caregiving roles.
This page explains how GPs understand stress and burnout, common symptoms, when further assessment is needed and practical steps that may help recovery.
This information is for general education and does not replace a personalised medical or mental health assessment. If you are feeling unsafe, at risk of harm, or unable to cope, please seek urgent help via NHS 111, your local urgent mental health service, or emergency services.
How stress and burnout commonly present
People experience stress differently. Some notice emotional changes first, while others develop physical symptoms.
Common features include:
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to switch off
- Irritability, frustration or emotional numbness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Reduced motivation or sense of achievement
- Poor sleep or unrefreshing sleep
- Headaches, muscle tension or gastrointestinal symptoms
Burnout often develops gradually. Many people continue functioning day to day while feeling increasingly depleted.
Common causes of ongoing stress
Stress usually arises from a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Common contributors include:
- Workload pressure, long hours or lack of control at work
- Caring responsibilities or family strain
- Financial uncertainty
- Ongoing health concerns
- Poor sleep patterns
- Perfectionism or high self-expectations
- Limited time for rest or recovery
How GPs assess stress and burnout
There is no single test for stress or burnout. Assessment focuses on understanding the full context.
A GP may explore:
- Duration and progression of symptoms
- Impact on work,z, relationships and daily functioning
- Sleep quality, energy levels and mood
- Physical symptoms linked to stress
- Alcohol, caffeine and medication use
- Coping strategies and support networks
Screening questionnaires may be used to help guide discussion, but diagnosis is based on clinical judgement rather than scores alone.
When investigations may be considered
Blood tests or other investigations are not routinely needed for stress alone.
They may be considered if symptoms suggest another cause, for example:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight change
- Palpitations
- Low mood lasting several weeks
Tests are used to exclude conditions such as thyroid disease, anaemia or vitamin deficiencies where appropriate.
Practical steps that may help manage stress
Management is individual and usually involves small, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes.
Common GP-recommended approaches include:
- Improving sleep routine and consistency
- Reviewing workload and boundaries
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
- Gentle physical activity
- Scheduled breaks and recovery time
- Talking therapies or structured stress management support
Medication is not usually first-line for stress or burnout unless anxiety or depression is also present.
When to seek further medical review
You should seek review if:
- Symptoms persist despite self-care
- Stress is affecting work attendance or safety
- Mood is low most days for more than two weeks
- Anxiety becomes intrusive or overwhelming
- Physical symptoms worsen or are unexplained
Early review often prevents symptoms from becoming more entrenched.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent help if you experience:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of self-harm or feeling unable to keep yourself safe
- Severe agitation or panic that does not settle
- Sudden behavioural changes noticed by others
- Complete inability to function day to day
In these situations, urgent NHS services or emergency care are appropriate.
GP insight
Stress and burnout are among the most common issues discussed in GP consultations. They rarely exist in isolation and often overlap with sleep disturbance, physical symptoms and mood changes. Early recognition and supportive intervention can make a significant difference to recovery.
Related Articles
- Anxiety and worry
- Low mood
- Sleep problems
- Physical symptoms linked to stress
Visit our Mental Health hub or browse more health topics in the AccessGP Knowledge Base.
If stress or burnout is affecting your wellbeing, an online GP appointment can help you explore symptoms, identify contributing factors and agree a practical plan tailored to you.
Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 18 January 2026