A loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and emotional or physical exhaustion—these are all signs of depression. However, many mental health conditions actually share similar signs and symptoms. While these are all signs of depression, they are also all signs of burnout.
Depression and burnout can appear quite similar in many ways, but they are different. Knowing which is which can make a big difference when it comes to treatment. Let’s learn more about depression and burnout and how to tell the difference between the two.
The Nature
Depression is a serious but common mental health disorder that involves ongoing feelings of sadness and changes in one’s ability to maintain their daily routine. It can have negative impacts on actions, behaviors, emotions, and thoughts.
Burnout is an emotional, mental, or physical state of exhaustion. It is typically caused by prolonged or ongoing stress due to things like a demanding career or taking care of a family member. One of the main differences between depression and burnout is that depression is a medical condition known as a mood disorder, and burnout is a feeling of exhaustion.
The Cause
There may be some similarities between some of the causes of depression and burnout, such as environmental factors and personality traits, but each has its own causes and risk factors as well. No two cases of depression or burnout are exactly the same.
Some of the risk factors of depression include chemical imbalances, hormonal changes, genetics, and past life experiences. Burnout is typically caused by a person’s response to increased workplace stress or prolonged, chronic, or ongoing stress.
The Signs and Symptoms
While depression and burnout can share a lot of the same symptoms, there are also some significant differences between them. Depression can include persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. Burnout symptoms include irritability, loss of motivation, and feeling drained.
The signs and symptoms of depression and burnout show up in different ways and generally affect different areas of life. Depression symptoms will be related to a person’s mood or overall mental health and wellness. Burnout will include signs and symptoms that are related to a person’s role, job, or career.
The Duration
Depression signs and symptoms can come on suddenly and typically last anywhere between six to twelve months. Burnout will develop slowly over time and build with added stress.
The Impact
Burnout typically only negatively impacts a person’s work life. Depression, on the other hand, can impact a person’s daily life and routine, including their personal life, professional career, relationships, and more.
Treatment
The signs and symptoms of burnout can be relieved through stress management techniques, time, rest, and relaxation. The treatment for depression often involves professional support and sometimes medication.
There are certain lifestyle changes a person who is struggling with depression can make to reduce some of the signs and symptoms they’re experiencing. However, the best course of action is often to enlist the help of a licensed and trained mental health professional.
Next Steps
Even though depression and burnout are two completely different things, there are overlapping signs and symptoms. They can also coexist, and depression can even be one of the many signs someone is burned out. Having a better understanding of these two conditions is a good first step in figuring out what to do next.
No matter if you’re struggling with signs and symptoms of depression, burnout, or a combination of the two, it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later. The longer you go on without getting the help you need and deserve, the worse those signs and symptoms can become. Book a counseling session to learn how therapy can help you.
Author: Jennifer Spencer, PhD, HSPP is the owner of Spencer Psychology, and a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience in mental health counseling in Bloomington IN. Spencer Psychology is committed to providing compassionate expert care in-person and by telehealth for Bloomington, the surrounding area and by telehealth for all of Indiana.