New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Burnout has become one of the most overused words of our time. A demanding week at work, an overflowing inbox, a few late nights, and we casually say, "I'm burnt out." While it's encouraging that conversations around mental health have become more mainstream, there's also a downside. We've become so comfortable using the word that we sometimes forget burnout is far more than simply feeling stressed or tired.

Stress and burnout are not the same thing. More importantly, confusing the two can delay help-seeking until the impact is far greater than we realise.

Stress is a natural response to pressure. It is the body's way of helping us respond to challenges, whether it's meeting a deadline, preparing for an exam, or na...