Sensory-Based Burnout vs. Emotional Burnout
by Kathy Mulka, BScOT(c), MEd — Occupational Therapist

Distinguishing Sensory Burnout from Emotional Burnout

It’s common for clients to come in to see me primarily because they feel “burnt out”.  The first step in our work together is to better determine whether they are experiencing sensory burnout or emotional burnout or both.  What we know from research is that “sensory-based burnout” or sensory burnout and emotional burnout are distinct phenomena, with sensory burnout often occurring before emotional burnout. Recognizing this difference is really important to deciding what intervention a person would best benefit from.

Understanding Sensory Burnout

Sensory burnout arises when individuals are overwhelmed by sensory input, resulting in a diminished ability to manage environments, daily tasks or social engagement.  Sensory burnout is linked to sensory overstimulation and sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Meaning that environmental and physiological factors, rather than emotional ones, are the primary contributors to a person’s burnout.

Common signs of Sensory burnout:

*Sensory Overload (feeling overloaded by environments, people or sensory input that feels upsetting)

*A reduced capacity to manage and process sensory inputs and sensory overwhelm

*Feelings of irritability or anxiousness because of sensory overwhelm

*Feeling the need to retreat to quieter, less stimulating spaces

*Heightened sensitivities to touch, clothing, smell, taste, visual or auditory stimuli

*Difficulty processing language

*Everything feeling “too much”

May be caused by:

*Noise, light, visual clutter

*Social environments or transitions

*Masking sensory needs

*Unpredictable routines

*Ignoring hunger, thirst, or internal cues

*Ignoring or not taking into consideration one’s specific sensory preferences and needs

Helpful strategies for sensory burnout can be:

  • Reduce sensory input (light, noise, clutter, and negative sensory inputs)

  • Include calming practices and calming spaces to help alleviate overstimulation

  • Build more structure and routine into daily life

  • Use sensory tools without guilt

  • Take sensory breaks before you become overloaded by sensation

  • Honour your need for quiet and downtime

What Is Emotional Burnout and how is it different from Sensory Burnout?

Emotional Burnout is a state of emotional depletion caused by chronic stress, emotional labor, or responsibility overload.

Common Signs

  • Exhaustion, numbness, or detachment

  • Feeling ineffective or overwhelmed

  • Loss of motivation or joy

  • Increased anxiety or irritability

  • Compassion fatigue

Common Causes

  • High-pressure work or caregiving

  • Perfectionism or self-criticism

  • Chronic stress or trauma

  • Emotional labor in relationships

Helpful strategies for emotional burnout can be:

  • Boundaries around time and energy

  • Emotional support and connection

  • Rest that restores (not performs)

  • Reducing responsibilities where possible

  • Gentle reflection and processing

Quick Comparison

Sensory Burnout

 Emotional Burnout

Nervous system overload

Emotional exhaustion

Triggered by sensory input

Triggered by stress/emotional labor

Needs quiet, darkness, reduced input

Needs rest, support, boundaries

Shutdowns to reduce input

Withdrawal to protect emotional energy

Responds to sensory regulation

Responds to emotional processing

A Compassionate Reminder

If you are overwhelmed, it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Your nervous system is communicating.
You deserve gentler rhythms, sensory safety, and support that honours your sensory needs.

Scheydt, S., Müller Staub, M., Frauenfelder, F., Nielsen, G. H., Behrens, J., & Needham, I. (2017). Sensory overload: A concept analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 26(2), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12303

Golonka, K., & Gulla, B. (2021). Individual differences and susceptibility to burnout syndrome: Sensory processing sensitivity and its relation to exhaustion and disengagement. (“Individual differences and susceptibility to burnout syndrome: Sensory ...”) Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 751350. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751350

McQuarrie, A. M., & Jakobson, L. S. (2025). Exploring links between sensory processing sensitivity, professional quality of life, and negative affectivity in clinical and counselling psychologists. (“Occupational Psychosocial Risks and Quality of Professional Life in ...”) PLOS Mental Health, 2(7), e0000362. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000362

Kathy Mulka, BScOT(c), MEd    Occupational Therapist