"In order to burn out, a person needs to have been on fire at one time." Ayala Pines What is burnout? And how do you know if you're suffering from it? Burnout is various physical, emotional and mental reactions caused by repeated stress. Effects of Stress The negative affects of stress have been documented by research studies. Prolonged, unrelenting stress can produce psychological and physiological consequences including: · Anxiety · Depression · Hypertension .