How to Tell If It’s Burnout or Depression

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

You’re exhausted. You can’t remember the last time you didn’t feel tired mentally, physically, or emotionally. But is it burnout… or something deeper like depression?

Understanding the difference between burnout and depression is key to finding the right support. While the two can overlap in many ways, the root causes and treatment approaches are different. Let’s break it down together.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that often stems from work-related pressure, caregiving responsibilities, or emotional overload. It can feel like you're running on empty, drained from giving too much for too long.

Common signs of burnout include:

• Constant fatigue, even after rest

• Feeling detached or cynical about your responsibilities

• Decreased motivation or productivity

• Irritability or emotional numbness

• Trouble sleeping

• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues

Burnout is common among high-achieving professionals, parents, caregivers, and those in helping roles, especially women who often juggle multiple roles at once.

What Is Depression?

Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical mental health condition. It may or may not be triggered by external stressors. While burnout is often situational, depression tends to affect all areas of life.

Signs of depression may include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness

• Significant changes in sleep or appetite

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation

If you're experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.

Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference

Burnout	Depression
Triggered by prolonged external stress (work, caregiving, etc.)	May develop with or without external triggers
Often improves with time off or lifestyle changes	Lingers even when circumstances improve
Primarily affects your role (e.g., work burnout)	Affects all areas of life (work, relationships, hobbies)
Irritability or frustration is common	Deep sadness, emotional numbness
You still feel like “you,” just overwhelmed	You may feel like you’ve lost yourself

When to Reach Out for Help

If you're not sure whether you're facing burnout or depression—or a combination of both—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

As a therapist specializing in women’s mental health, parenting challenges, self-worth, and anxiety, I provide a supportive space to explore what you're going through, no judgment attached.

Together, we can:

• Identify the root cause of your exhaustion

• Create a personalized plan for healing

• Restore a sense of peace and purpose

  
  

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

Burnout and depression are both signals—not signs of failure, but signs that something needs your attention. Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you get back in alignment with yourself and your values.

Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward feeling better. You don’t have to do this alone. Support is here.