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Is It Burnout or Just a Bad Week? Here’s How to Tell.

November 04, 2025

From family stress to tight deadlines, we all have tough weeks. But when exhaustion stops feeling temporary and starts creeping into every part of your life, there might be more to it.

“Burnout is different from everyday stress,” says Lisa Lavorgna, LCSW, behavioral health clinician with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “It’s a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, and it doesn’t just go away after a good night’s sleep.”

Here are five ways to spot the difference — and what to do about it.

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1. Energy levels

Everyone gets tired. But burnout fatigue feels heavier.

“When you’re burned out, you wake up tired and stay tired, no matter how much you rest,” says Lavorgna. “It’s not just physical exhaustion — it’s emotional too.”

If you’ve noticed that even simple tasks feel overwhelming, or that your normal pick-me-ups (like a nap or a workout) don’t help, it may be a red flag that your stress is going too far.

2. Motivation and focus

Bad week? You might be distracted, but you still bounce back when things calm down. Burnout, though, drains your drive altogether.

“Burnout makes it hard to concentrate, make decisions or find enthusiasm for things you normally enjoy,” Lavorgna notes. “It’s like hitting a mental wall.”

So if you’re struggling to care about projects you once enjoyed, or your attention span feels shorter than ever, it may be more than simple fatigue.

3. Mood changes

Stress makes anyone irritable. But with burnout, the shift is more persistent.

“Burnout often brings detachment, cynicism or feeling emotionally numb,” says Lavorgna. “You may also feel more impatient with others, or less satisfied with accomplishments that used to matter to you.”

If you’re finding yourself snapping at loved ones, dreading work every morning or feeling flat even during downtime, it’s worth paying attention.

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4. Physical signs

Here’s where it gets tricky: burnout doesn’t just live in your head.

“Headaches, stomach issues, sleep problems, even frequent colds can all be linked to burnout,” notes Lavorgna. “Your body is telling you that stress is taking a toll.”

While a stressful week can cause similar symptoms, burnout is more constant — the aches and fatigue don’t fade once the week is over.

5. Recovery time

The big difference between burnout and normal stress is how quickly you bounce back.

“With normal stress, you recharge after a weekend off or a quick vacation,” says Lavorgna. “With burnout, even time away doesn’t fully restore your energy.”

If rest doesn’t seem to help anymore, that’s a clear sign you aren’t just dealing with a small rough patch.

The bottom line

Stress is part of life, but burnout isn’t something to push through.

“Recognizing the difference early is key,” says Lavorgna. “Burnout doesn’t go away on its own — it requires changes in workload, support and self-care.”

If you suspect burnout, start with small steps: set boundaries, take real breaks and talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Because sometimes, it’s not just a bad week. It’s your body and mind telling you they need more than rest — they need real recovery.