Ever found yourself staring blankly at your laptop, willing your brain to function, only to give up and scroll mindlessly on your phone instead? Maybe you’ve hit a wall at work, or maybe even getting out of bed feels like an impossible task. The question is—are you just burned out, or is this something more?
The overlap between burnout and depression can be confusing. They both drain your energy, steal your motivation, and make life feel like one giant to-do list you don’t have the strength to tackle. But while they can look similar on the surface, they’re not the same thing. So, how do you tell them apart? Let’s break it down.
Burnout: When the Hustle Catches Up with You
Burnout is like running a marathon you never signed up for. It sneaks up on you after weeks (or months… or years) of pushing yourself too hard. It’s that feeling of complete exhaustion where even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and your job—or whatever’s causing the stress—starts to feel pointless.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines burnout as a work-related syndrome that develops from chronic stress. It’s usually tied to your job, though it can also come from overwhelming responsibilities at home. People experiencing burnout often feel emotionally drained, cynical, and detached from their work. Tasks that used to feel easy now take twice the effort, and you might find yourself dreading Monday before Sunday brunch even begins.
If you’re burned out, you might still enjoy things outside of work. You can still laugh at your favorite TV show or feel excited about weekend plans. But when it comes to your job (or the source of stress), you’re running on fumes.
Depression: When Everything Feels Heavy
Depression, on the other hand, isn’t just about work or stress—it’s a whole-body, whole-life experience. It’s more than just feeling tired or frustrated with your job. Depression seeps into everything, making even the things you used to love feel empty or pointless.
The APA describes depression as a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It doesn’t just show up when you’re overwhelmed—it lingers, clouding every part of your life. Maybe you’re sleeping too much or not enough. Maybe your appetite has changed, or you can’t shake the feeling that you’re not good enough, even when there’s no real reason to think that.
Unlike burnout, depression doesn’t necessarily go away when you take a vacation or step away from work. You can remove the stressor, but the heaviness remains. That’s a big red flag that what you’re dealing with might be more than just burnout.
How to Tell the Difference
So, if both can leave you exhausted and unmotivated, how do you know what’s really going on?
Think about where the struggle shows up. Burnout is usually tied to one specific area of your life, like work or caregiving. Depression affects everything. Burnout makes you resentful and drained, but depression makes you feel hopeless, like nothing matters.
Another key difference? Burnout often improves with rest and boundaries. Depression doesn’t just disappear after a long weekend or a mental health day. If stepping away from the stressor doesn’t bring relief, it might be time to check in with a therapist.
What to Do Next
If you’re dealing with burnout, the best thing you can do is set boundaries and prioritize rest. That might mean taking breaks, saying no to extra responsibilities, or even reevaluating your work environment. Burnout is a sign that something has to change.
If you suspect depression, reaching out for support is crucial. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can help, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Depression isn’t something you can just push through—it’s something that deserves real care and attention.
At the end of the day, whether you’re burned out, depressed, or caught somewhere in between, you deserve support. Life isn’t meant to feel like an endless struggle. And no, pushing yourself harder isn’t the answer. Give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and reach out when you need it.
Feeling stuck and unsure if it’s burnout or something deeper? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can help you gain clarity, set boundaries, and find a path forward that actually feels good. Reach out today to schedule an appointment—I’d love to help you sort through the stress and start feeling like yourself again.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/depression
American Psychological Association. (2023, May 12). Employers need to focus on workplace burnout: Here’s why. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-burnout