In recent years, many Canadians have found themselves overwhelmed by work stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. When stress becomes too much to manage, some people take stress leave from work in order to recover and protect their mental health.

While taking stress leave can feel intimidating, it is often an important step toward healing and regaining balance.

In this article, we will explore:

• What stress leave means in Canada
• Common symptoms of severe stress and burnout
• Why burnout is rising among Canadians
• What to expect when starting counselling
• Practical steps to take if you feel overwhelmed

If you are considering stress leave, or supporting someone who is, understanding the process can help reduce fear and uncertainty.

What Is Stress Leave in Canada?

Stress leave is a type of medical leave from work due to psychological or mental health concerns, such as severe stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, or trauma.

In Canada, stress leave is usually taken under:

• Sick leave through an employer
• Short-term disability benefits
• Long-term disability benefits
• Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits

A doctor, psychologist, or other medical professional typically needs to confirm that stress or burnout is affecting a person’s ability to work.

Stress leave is not about weakness or failure. It is a medical response to prolonged stress that has exceeded a person’s capacity to cope.

The Rising Burnout Crisis in Canada

Workplace burnout has become a major mental health issue across Canada.

Recent surveys show:

• 39% of Canadian employees report feeling burned out at work. (Canada Life)
• Nearly 7 in 10 Canadians have considered quitting their job due to burnout. (clac.ca)
• Burnout is particularly high among younger workers, with 59% of millennials reporting burnout symptoms. (Health & Wellness Canada)

Certain professions experience even higher levels. For example, one Canadian study found 42% of physicians reporting burnout symptoms. (PMC)

Burnout is not only a personal health issue – t also affects productivity, workplace culture, and long-term career satisfaction.

Who Experiences Burnout the Most?

Burnout can affect anyone, but research shows some groups are at higher risk.

Women

Studies consistently find higher burnout rates among women.

• Around 42% of women report burnout compared to 35% of men. (Health & Wellness Canada)
• In one Canadian workplace survey, women reported significantly higher stress and burnout levels than men. (clac.ca)

Researchers suggest several contributing factors:

• Balancing work with caregiving responsibilities
• Emotional labour in many professions
• Workplace inequality and pressure to prove competence

Younger workers

Millennials and Gen Z workers report the highest burnout rates, often due to:

• Financial stress
• Career pressure
• Job instability
• Student debt

High-demand professions

Burnout is especially common in fields such as:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Social services
• Law
• Technology

These professions often involve high emotional demands, heavy workloads, and long hours.

What Contributes to Burnout?

Burnout rarely happens overnight. It is typically the result of chronic stress over time.

Common contributing factors include:

Heavy workloads

Many employees report too much work and insufficient staffing.

Lack of control

Feeling unable to influence schedules, workload, or decisions can increase stress.

Workplace culture

Toxic environments, poor communication, or lack of support from leadership can accelerate burnout.

Emotional labour

Jobs that require constant emotional engagement (healthcare, counselling, teaching, customer service) can lead to emotional exhaustion.

Work-life imbalance

When work consistently interferes with rest, family, or personal life, recovery becomes difficult.

Symptoms of Severe Stress and Burnout

Stress affects both the mind and the body. When stress becomes chronic, symptoms may include:

Emotional symptoms

• Persistent anxiety or worry
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritability or anger
• Loss of motivation
• Feeling detached or numb
• Depression or hopelessness

Cognitive symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Decision fatigue
• Mental fog

Physical symptoms

• Exhaustion and chronic fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle tension
• Digestive issues
• Sleep problems
• Frequent illness

Behavioural symptoms

• Withdrawal from social activities
• Increased use of alcohol or substances
• Procrastination or decreased productivity
• Feeling unable to start or finish tasks

If these symptoms continue for weeks or months, many people begin to experience burnout or emotional collapse, making it difficult to continue working.

When Stress Leave May Be Necessary

Stress leave may be recommended when a person:

• Is experiencing severe anxiety or burnout
• Cannot concentrate or function effectively at work
• Experiences panic attacks or emotional breakdowns
• Feels physically exhausted despite rest
• Is developing depression or trauma symptoms
• Is at risk of long-term mental health deterioration

A healthcare provider can assess symptoms and determine whether time away from work is appropriate.

What to Do If You Think You Need Stress Leave

If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider the following steps:

1. Speak with a healthcare professional

A doctor, psychologist, or counsellor can assess symptoms and provide guidance.

2. Learn about your workplace benefits

Many employers provide:

• Short-term disability
• Employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Mental health coverage

3. Focus on recovery

Stress leave should focus on healing, not just resting.

Recovery often includes:

• Therapy or counselling
• Restoring sleep patterns
• Learning stress management tools
• Reconnecting with supportive relationships
• Gentle physical activity

What to Expect in Counselling During Stress Leave

Counselling can be an important part of recovery.

During therapy, clients often explore:

Understanding the causes of burnout

A counsellor helps identify the specific stressors contributing to burnout.

Regulating the nervous system

Techniques may include:

• Mindfulness
• Breathwork
• grounding exercises
• trauma-informed practices

Processing underlying emotions

Burnout often hides deeper experiences such as:

• grief
• trauma
• shame
• perfectionism
• fear of failure

Learning boundaries and assertiveness

Many people struggling with burnout have difficulty:

• saying no
• setting limits
• protecting personal time

Therapy helps develop healthier boundaries and sustainable work habits.

Building resilience

Clients often learn tools to:

• manage stress
• recognize early warning signs
• create healthier work-life balance

Recovery Takes Time

Burnout recovery rarely happens overnight.

Many people need several weeks or months to fully recover.

However, with the right support, people often return to work:

• with clearer boundaries
• stronger coping strategies
• improved mental health

Some also use the experience as an opportunity to reassess career direction, values, and life priorities.

You Do Not Have to Go Through Burnout Alone

Experiencing severe stress or burnout can feel isolating. Many people worry about judgment, job security, or feeling like they have “failed.”

But the reality is that burnout is a common and understandable response to prolonged stress, and seeking help is an important step toward healing.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with stress, burnout, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, support is available.

At Trauma and Stress Counselling, we provide compassionate and evidence-based counselling to help individuals understand their stress, regulate their nervous system, and rebuild balance in their lives.

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about your next steps, you are welcome to reach out. Support can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.