Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or

response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and
emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. You can
experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

Social workers and stress

Social workers practise in an increasingly difficult environment characterised
by rising demands, diminishing resources and negative scrutiny from the
media. ... It's therefore important to acknowledge the health risks of social
work, a profession that has long been associated with stress, depression and
burnout.

Burnout is the natural emotional exhaustion that results from spending forty
hours or more per week giving to others and forgetting to take care of
ourselves. ... Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, lack of self-care,
chronic exhaustion, poor boundaries, cynicism, social withdrawal, minimizing,
and sleeplessness.