The Real Difference Between Burnout & Depression, According to Therapists

Burnout and depression may share some overlapping symptoms, but they have different causes, risk factors, and treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

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In today’s society, it seems like more people are talking about the feeling of burnout, especially as it relates to parenthood and the demands of work-life balance. Burnout can cause irritability, fatigue, and helplessness, which are also symptoms of depression. While depression is a diagnosable mental health disorder, burnout is thought to be more of an experience than a medical condition. 

If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing burnout or depression, continue reading to learn more from therapists about the leading signs, symptoms, and risk factors so that you can determine how to access the right type of treatment for your needs. 

Signs of burnout vs depression

Experts note that differentiating between burnout and depression can be challenging because the conditions may appear similar — and often co-occur, meaning they happen simultaneously for people. However, Charlie Health Contemplative Practitioner Jordanne Greenberg, MA, RYT, notes that the key difference “lies in their emotional undercurrent. Burnout is distinguished by a severe state of exhaustion while depression is distinguished by a pervasive state of sadness and hopelessness,” she explains. 

Here’s more on the signs of burnout and depression.

Signs of burnout

Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It’s a gradual process that can become worse over time when left unmanaged. The hallmark signs of burnout include extreme fatigue, an apathetic or detached attitude, and reduced performance at work, school, or home. 

Signs and symptoms of burnout include:

• Feeling drained and fatigued 
• Irritability and frustration
• Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
• Overwhelming sense of negativity
• Low self-worth
• Headaches, muscle pain, and racing heart 
• Digestive problems and nausea 
• Changes to sleep and appetite

Signs of depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as major depression, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. In order to be diagnosed with major depression, your symptoms should persist for at least two weeks and significantly affect your daily life. In some cases, unmanaged burnout can be a risk factor for depression. 

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Significant changes in sleep habits 
• Restlessness
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in danger of harming yourself, this is a mental health emergency. Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Leading causes and risk factors of burnout and depression

“Burnout arises from the body operating in a prolonged state of chronic stress longer than it can sustain, and typically we see this in individuals where they have been overfunctioning in certain areas or domains of their lives,” says Greenberg. 

Burnout is common among people in service-oriented positions, such as nurses, doctors, therapists, and teachers. You can also experience work-related burnout if you have frequent conflicts with colleagues, feel constantly overworked or under-challenged, or prioritize work over your own personal needs. 

Burnout is becoming more common among parents, especially single parents, parents with limited support systems, and parents of children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Parental burnout is more common than many people realize,” says Bree Williams, LPCA, a Charlie Health Group Facilitator. According to Williams, parental burnout is thought to affect 20-40% of parents globally.

In some cases, burnout can even be the result of certain personality traits. For example, people with a type A personality, perfectionistic tendencies, or a need for control may be more likely to develop burnout.

Depression, on the other hand, is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological risk factors. These include: 

• Family history of depression: You may be more likely to develop depression if you have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the condition. 
• Lifestyle habits: Research links smoking, alcohol use, high BMI, poor sleep, and sedentary behavior with increased rates of major depression in adolescents.
• Brain chemistry: Having an imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, may be associated with the development of depression.
• Stressful life events: Going through a difficult or traumatic life event, such as having a serious illness or the death of a loved one, can trigger symptoms of depression. 

How to manage burnout vs depression 

If you’ve been feeling down or struggling with extreme exhaustion, it’s important to get help. Consider making an appointment with a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation so that you can understand what’s causing your symptoms. 

Despite several overlapping symptoms, burnout and depression require different treatment approaches. “Burnout is typically resolved with rest and proper reintegration into a more sustainable routine or lifestyle, whereas clinical depression is a persistent state of low mood that impairs functioning across all domains of life, and cannot be alleviated by rest alone,” explains Greenberg.

Three tips for recovering from burnout

Recovering from burnout starts with discovering what’s responsible for the feeling. For many people, the cause will be clear, such as a stressful job or the demands of being a new parent. Once you recognize what’s driving your burnout and acknowledge the distress it’s causing you, the following three strategies can help you alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes of burnout. 

1. Create clear boundaries: Healthy boundaries are an opportunity for you to share how you’d like to be treated and what you need from yourself and others in order to feel your best. 
2. Practice self-care: Making time for regular self-care can help you prioritize your well-being. Self-care looks different for everyone, but may include journaling, mindfulness exercises, spending time with friends, or hobbies that you enjoy. Self-care also means taking regular breaks and practicing gratitude during the moments that bring you joy. 
3. Seek support: Having a strong support system is associated with increased resilience and the ability to cope with difficult situations. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a mental health professional, confiding in someone you trust can help you feel seen and supported as you heal. 

Best practices for managing depression

Depression is typically treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication management. Therapy can provide people with a safe space to address their symptoms, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and feel empowered to build a brighter future. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of talk therapy used to manage depressive disorders. With CBT, people learn to recognize harmful thought patterns and then replace them with more rational and balanced thoughts. Psychodynamic therapy and motivational interviewing are also considered effective techniques for depression. Depending on the severity of your condition, your provider might also suggest a prescription medication like an antidepressant to help manage symptoms. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one is struggling with overwhelming exhaustion or changes in motivation, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, including chronic stress, burnout, depression, and more. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With this kind of holistic online therapy, understanding and managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.