Depression vs Burnout

Today, many people are suffering from depression and burnout, overwhelmed, tired, or feel drained physically or emotionally as a result of their lives in general and the challenges of life today. People are experiencing difficulties in their mental health due to modern pressures surrounding life in the workplace; an overwhelming number of academic pressures; and ongoing, unrelenting financial pressures along with various personal responsibilities and obligations.

People often confuse depression with burnout when they should not. Many individuals today use one word or another synonymously; however, this is not correct. It is important for everyone to understand the difference between depression and burnout to protect their mental well-being and to get the best help possible for themselves.

Defining burnout accurately requires a consideration of the effect of continual long-term stress, particularly, to the best of one's ability, the result of long-term work-related, or academic, or care-giving responsibilities. Depression is considered a very serious mental health disorder that can have an impact on mood, thought processes, and an individual’s day-to-day functioning.

Per the World Health Organization, burnout is considered a syndrome caused by long-term workplace stress that is not effectively managed. On the other hand, depression is considered to be a mental health disorder, and can have an effect on one's mood, thought processes, and behaviors.

Burnout and depression can often occur at the same time and typically have overlapping symptoms; however, the underlying reasons, the effects on an individual, and how to treat each disorder are completely different.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with:

An understanding of what depression is and how it differs from burnout;
What causes depression/burnout, and what are their respective signs;
An understanding of how burnout may develop into a clinically-diagnosed form of depression;
What can be done to promote recovery and protect one's mental wellness.

These distinctions will be helpful when working toward recovery and wellness.

What is Depressive Disorder (Major Depression)?

Major Depressive Disorder is a highly severe mental health problem that similarly affects people's emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functions. It exists long after the feelings of temporary sadness or highs from stressed-out days.

If not properly treated, Depression also may persist for many weeks, months, and sometimes, years.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that major depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and can negatively impact daily functions such as working, studying, eating, or sleeping.

Those experiencing depression often present with:

Persistent lack of enjoyment and sadness for prolonged periods of time
Loss of enthusiasm and interest in prior activities
Decreased energy levels and motivation
Difficulty concentrating/decision-making
Feelings of worthlessness

Changes in the patterns of everyday experiences (i.e. sleeping, eating)

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is the name for a form of chronic stress that is most commonly caused by work-related (or academic) pressures.

Burnout develops gradually over time as an individual suffers from ongoing or prolonged physical and emotional fatigue without adequate time away from work (or study) to recharge.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." The three primary symptoms of burnout are:

Emotional Exhaustion- The person feels exhausted and drained from all aspects of life.

1. Cynicism or Detachment

The person has a very negative attitude towards their work and responsibilities.

2. Reduced Performance

The person does not feel as productive or as competent as they once did.

Burnout is particularly common amongst:

Healthcare Workers
Teachers
Students
Entrepreneurs
Caregivers

However, anyone who has been exposed to prolonged/high levels of stress may develop burnout.

Why Do People Confuse Burnout with Depression?

Burnout and depression share a number of commonalities; however, there are also major differences between the two conditions. Both conditions include:

Chronic Fatigue
Lack of Motivation
Decreased Productivity
Emotional Exhaustion
Difficulty Concentrating

The most significant difference is that burnout tends to relate specifically to a specific job or situation (i.e. work or school) whereas depression may affect all aspects of life.

Someone who has developed burnout may continue to enjoy non-work related activities (i.e. hobbies and social activities); whereas someone who has developed depression may lose interest in most (if not all) of the things they once enjoyed.

Burnout and depression have several differences between them.

1. Causes

Burnout is caused by chronic stress typically associated with one's work environment (ex., working long hours with little time off; unreasonably high workload alone; pressure to perform from managers) and can be triggered easily (ex., too much work, unrealistic expectations at work, lack of control over work situation, poor work/life balance, etc.). Some common triggers for burnout would be (very high volume of work, unreasonable expectations from higher-ups), while some causes of depression include (genetics, brain chemistry imbalance or chemical imbalances in the brain, trauma from life experiences, long-term stress, certain medical conditions, etc.)

2. Areas of Life Impacted by Each Condition

Burnout typically impacts only the specific environment in which the person works. For example, someone who works very hard at their job but still enjoys spending time with family and friends actually experiences only job burnout. In contrast, people suffering from depression can suffer emotionally, physically, socially, and in all areas of life.

3. Emotional Symptoms

Burnout typically causes feelings of frustration and irritability due to chronic emotional fatigue (assumed to be caused by excessive chronic stress). In contrast, depression typically causes deeper and more comprehensive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt (i.e., assuming one has always been a 'failure' in areas of life where they previously succeeded).

4. Physical Symptoms

Depression and burnout Often have the same common physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, etc.), though depression sometimes has more severe physical symptoms than burnout (e.g., significant changes in appetite or weight; unexplained body pain; etc.).

5. Motivation/Interest

People who experience burnout may not want to go to work but still enjoy spending time with family, etc. Conversely, people with depression are unlikely to have much (if any) interest in anything, including family and friends, etc.

Can Being Burned Out Cause You to Be Depressed?

If you have been feeling burned out for an extended period of time and do not get help for it, then there is a possibility that your burnout will lead you to eventually develop depression.

Studies have shown that chronic exposure to stress can alter brain chemistry, therefore increasing your chances of becoming depressed.

According to the American Psychological Association, when you're under stress for a lengthy period of time, this can greatly enhance your chances of developing depressive symptoms.

Because of this and the fact that early recognition of burnout is crucial for preventing more serious mental conditions, it is essential to understand what being burned out feels like.

Some Common Signs Of Your Being Burnt Out Are:

Extreme fatigue
Lack of motivation
Reduced productivity
Feeling overwhelmed
Irritability
Detachment from your job

If you reduce the source of your stress, most times your symptoms of burnout will improve.

Some Common Signs Of Your Being Depressed Are:

Constantly feeling sad
Not enjoying things you typically would enjoy doing
Changes in sleeping patterns
Low levels of energy
Hopelessness
Having trouble focusing
Thoughts about hurting yourself

Most times you will need professional help in order to get over your depression (therapy or medication).

Factors That Can Put You At Risk for Becoming Burnt Out

Working long or excessive hours
Lack of control over the things that you do at work
Having a poor work/life balance
Not knowing what your job responsibilities are
Not having a support system

Burnout is something that students and young professionals frequently encounter from the pressures of academic and career demands.

Factors That Can Put You At Risk for Becoming Depressed

Family history of depression
History of traumatic experiences
Having medical problems long-term

Recovering From Your Burnout

If you are experiencing burnout, you may need to make lifestyle changes to recover successfully.

Here are some strategies that can help:

Create a Greater Work-Life Balance

Creating a greater work-life balance through regular breaks and establishing boundaries will help lower your stress levels.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is important for emotional healing.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help your body release hormones that are causing you stress.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Techniques such as meditation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness can help you relax and calm your mind.

Seek Social Support

Talking to your friends or family can make you feel less alone in your experiences.

How is depression treated?

Depression usually requires professional support.

Below are some treatment options:

Psychotherapy.
Medication.
Lifestyle changes.
Stress management techniques.

Your healthcare professional will refer you to the most appropriate treatment for your individual situation.

How to Protect Your Mental Health

Preventing burnout and depression requires a commitment to maintaining healthy habits.

Some important strategies include:

Effective management of stress.
Maintaining social relationships with other people.
Establishing an exercise routine.
Having a balanced diet.
Prioritizing sleep.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Conclusion

The key to protecting your mental health is to understand the differences between depression and burnout.

Burnout is almost always caused by long-term stress related to work or other responsibilities, while depression represents a serious mental illness that disrupts an individual's emotions, thought processes, and overall functioning.

While these two issues share some similarities, the methods of treatment and recovery are uniquely different.

By recognizing the signs of either condition early and handling stress proactively and having a support system in place, you can prevent burnout and/or depression.

Mental health is one of the best investments anyone can make when trying to live a long and healthy life.

FAQs

Is Burnout the Same as Depression?

No! Burnout is typically caused by long-term stress, primarily related to your work or school, while Depression is a mental illness and impacts many areas of an individual's life.

Can Burnout Turn Into Depression?

If your burnout continues without intervention for a prolonged period of time, you may be more likely to develop depression.

How do I tell whether I have burnout vs. depression?

If you are experiencing symptoms of either condition in all areas of your life and have feelings of sadness or hopelessness that are constant or recurring (and last for more than a few weeks), then it would be safe to say you might be suffering from depression. In this situation, the only way to know for sure if you have depression is to see a healthcare provider for a formal evaluation.

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