Burnout vs. Depression: When Time Off Isn’t Working, Here’s What We Check Next

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed clinician. Do not delay seeking care you need and deserve. Call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1 immediately in case of a crisis or emergency.

Burnout and depression can share certain overlapping features and symptoms, but they are not the same. Burnout is a response to chronic stress, whereas depression is a clinical condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness regarding the future.

In this article, we will explore the difference between burnout and depression, how the symptoms of burnout vs depression overlap, whether burnout can lead to depression, and when time off stops being enough.

Burnout vs. Depression

Burnout is a situational response. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as the result of chronic workplace stress that has not been properly managed. Its characteristics typically are – feeling drained out/fatigued, growing distance or cynicism toward your job, and reduced effectiveness.

Depression is a mental health condition. It is typically characterized by persistent low mood and loss of pleasure.

The two can look alike, and a person can have both at the same time. This is why a conversation with a licensed clinician is the most reliable way to find out what you are experiencing and what is the best next step for you.

What Is Burnout?

The WHO lists burnout in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), but it is not classified as a medical condition.

The WHO refers to burnout in an occupational context and not in other areas of life. In other words, by definition, burnout pertains to employment and work.

That does not mean that the effects of burnout are restricted to work itself. Distress from chronic work stress is real; it impacts health in a myriad of ways. However, the encouraging news is also that it can be treated.

What Is Depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes depression as a serious mood disorder. Symptoms present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks can indicate major depressive disorder:

• A persistent sadness or emptiness
• Feelings of hopelessness regarding the future
• Anxiety and irritability
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Loss of pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or decision-making
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Aches, pains, or digestive concerns with no clear physical reasons
• Thoughts of suicide or death

If anyone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, call or text Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 9-8-8 immediately.

No one symptom indicates depression, and not everyone with depression has every symptom. Depression tends to have several interacting reasons – family history, life events, stressors, and other reasons – rather than a single trigger. Only a licensed clinician can clinically evaluate the symptoms for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

The Difference Between Burnout and Depression

Burnout and depression share similarities, but here are the differences:

Symptoms of Burnout vs Depression

The symptoms of burnout vs depression can overlap in more ways than one. Low energy, lowered focus, and sleep troubles show up in both. But here are some signs that lean toward burnout:

• Fatigue and energy depletion
• Emotional distance or cynicism toward your job
• Feeling less effective at your job than you used to

Now, here are some signs that lean toward depression:

• Low mood or emptiness that is not limited to your job
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Persistent guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Changes in appetite, such as eating less or more
• Thoughts of suicide or death

It is crucial not to diagnose yourself, and it is also crucial not to delay care. Reaching out to a licensed clinician can become the first step toward a healthier career and future.

Can Burnout Lead to Depression?

Can burnout cause depression? This is one of the most common questions people ask. The honest answer is that studies have suggested a strong link, but there are disagreements among researchers as well.

A three-year-long study showed that 23% of the participants with burnout-related concerns but no depressive symptoms tended to report depressive symptoms at follow-ups. On the other hand, 63% of those who had depressive symptoms but no burnout symptoms tended to report burnout symptoms later. So, the connection ran both ways.

However, a 2019 meta-analysis found a significant link between burnout and depression, but concluded that there were distinct constructs rather than identifiable conditions.

So, what does this really mean? Burnout can come with depression, can raise the chance of depressive symptoms, and can feel no different from depression sometimes. The more crucial point is to reach out when you have noticed early warning signs so that you receive the care you need and deserve early.

When Time Off Is Not Working

Rest – whether it is burnout or depression – is a good thing. It is rejuvenating. But rest does not always restore energy. In fact, this in itself is a useful sign. It tells you that the concern may be larger than just taking a break or going on a vacation.

When time off is not working, here are some other signs you can look into:

• How long this feeling has lasted and whether it follows you outside work
• If you are leaning on drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings or to feel better
• Other factors that can drain energy – like anxiety, trauma, or other symptoms
• Whether there are any thoughts regarding suicide or death. In the U.S., you can call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) 24/7, or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

What Helps If It Is Really Burnout?

Time off may be useful in the short run, but on a longer run, these steps may help if it is burnout:

• Reduce your workload. Taking less work, or less tasks at a time, can help in feeling less overwhelmed and more productive.
• Set boundaries. Learn to switch off when you are not at work. For instance, not answering work-related calls or emails after the work day has ended.
• Speak with your employer. If your job is leading to chronic strain, speak with your manager or HR regarding specific requests, such as clearer priorities and better scheduling, fewer tasks at once, or a leave of absence.
• Reach out to a therapist. Do not delay reaching out for the care you need and deserve. The earlier you reach out, the better the outcome.

How Are Burnout and Depression Treated?

Burnout is typically treated by reducing stressors, stress management, and skills training – often using therapy. Psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are the common therapeutic modalities used.

Depression is treated with therapy and medication management. Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are commonly used therapies for treatment, while U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidepressants are most commonly used for relieving symptoms. These medications can only be taken under the close supervision of board-certified physicians and psychiatric practitioners.

When Outpatient Care May Be the Right Next Step

Many reach a point where weekly therapy stops being enough for burnout or depression. In these cases, structured outpatient care can be the best next step:

• An intensive outpatient program (IOP) that runs 3 to 5 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week, with evening and virtual options when appropriate.
• A partial hospitalization program (PHP) that runs 6 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week

Structured outpatient care may be worth considering if you:

• Feel like you are getting by but not improving.
• Notice the same patterns repeating despite therapy.
• Have ongoing anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm or exhaustion.
• Are relying more on substances to cope with stress.

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out On Your Own

If you have taken time off and still feel worn out or hopeless, it may be the right time to ask what the next step can be. But you do not have to have everything figured out from the beginning. You do not even need to know whether it is burnout, depression, or both.

Reaching out to the Skyline Recovery Center means you get to sit with licensed and experienced clinicians in a confidential setting for a clinical evaluation. Our team will understand your symptoms, history, and needs to suggest the right level of care and a personalized treatment plan that meets you where you are.