In short
Stress is your body's response to pressure. Burnout is what can happen when that pressure doesn't let up: you feel exhausted, detached and less able to cope.
If Qwell is funded where you live, you can talk it through with a qualified practitioner for free and in confidence, without a referral or waiting list.
Stress or burnout?
Signs of stress
- Feeling overwhelmed or irritable
- Racing thoughts and trouble switching off
- Headaches, tense muscles or poor sleep
- Snapping at people more than usual
Signs of burnout
- Exhaustion that rest doesn't fix
- Feeling detached or cynical about work or things you care about
- Feeling like nothing you do makes a difference
- Dreading the next day before it starts
Things that can help today
- Name the pressure. Write down what's on your plate, then mark what can wait and what someone else could take on.
- Protect small breaks. Ten minutes away from a screen, outside if you can, is worth more than it sounds.
- Set one boundary. A fixed finishing time, or no email after a certain hour, is a realistic place to start.
- Look after the basics. Sleep, food and some movement make everything else easier to handle.
- Get practical help. For money worries, Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper give free, confidential advice. At work, your manager, HR or occupational health may be able to adjust things.
How Qwell can help with stress and burnout
- Chat to a qualified practitionerTalk through what's piling up, what's in your control and what you could change first.
- Connect with people who get itShare with other adults juggling work, money and family, and pick up ideas that have worked for them.
- Use tools between conversationsTrack your mood and energy over time to spot patterns, and try short exercises to help you switch off.
Practitioners are available from 12pm to 10pm, every day. The community and tools are open 24 hours.
When to get more help
Speak to your GP if stress is affecting your physical health or sleep for weeks at a time, if you feel you can't go on as you are, or if you're relying on alcohol or other substances to cope.
If you feel unsafe right now
If you think you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.
Questions people ask
Is burnout a mental health condition?
Burnout isn't a medical diagnosis on its own, but it's real, and it can lead to anxiety or depression if it goes on. Getting support early helps.
Will my employer know I use Qwell?
No. Qwell is confidential and you sign up with a username, not through your employer.
Can I use Qwell outside work hours?
Yes. Practitioners are available from 12pm to 10pm every day, including evenings and weekends. The community and tools are open 24 hours.
Is it really free?
Yes. Your local NHS, council or police and crime commissioner pays for Qwell, so it's free for people who live in that area. Choose your area when you sign up to check.
Last reviewed October 2026.