# When Perfectionism and Anxiety Cause Burnout

> High-functioning people feel exhausted when perfectionism and anxiety lead to burnout.
- Title: When Perfectionism and Anxiety Cause Burnout | Shortify
- Summary: High-functioning people feel exhausted when perfectionism and anxiety lead to burnout. Perfectionism and anxiety can cause burnout without productivity loss.
- Keywords: perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, occupational stress, mental health, workplace, wellbeing, high-functioning, Cause, Wellbeing Magazine
- Source: Wellbeing Magazine — https://wellbeingmagazine.com/high-functioning-but-exhausted-when-perfectionism-and-anxiety-become-burnout
- Author: Karen Samuda, LCSW
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: perfectionism, anxiety, burnout, occupational stress, mental health, workplace, wellbeing, high-functioning
## High-Functioning But Exhausted
Perfectionistic self-criticism and persistent anxiety can make it harder to stop working or recover.
## Burnout vs. Anxiety
Occupational burnout is specifically work-related stress, not every kind of exhaustion.
## Key Differences
Fear of mistakes and harsh self-judgment are more consistently linked to burnout than high standards alone.
## Burnout, Anxiety, and Depression
Burnout, anxiety, and depression can overlap; professional assessment clarifies what is happening.
## Sustainable Change
Sustainable change requires both personal support and changes to working conditions.
## Define 'Done'
Choose one low-stakes task and decide what adequate completion looks like.
## Make Workload Visible
Write down responsibilities alongside time and resources they require.
## Recovery Without Grading
Choose one manageable support like a consistent bedtime or gentle movement.
## When to Seek Help
Reach out when worry is difficult to control, sleep or relationships are suffering.
## Key takeaway

Perfectionism and anxiety can cause burnout without productivity loss.