Burnout and depression are two mental health issues that have become increasingly common in recent years. Although the terms are used synonymously, they refer to different conditions.
The difference between burnout and depression: Burnout is physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork, while depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Burnout typically occurs when a person feels overwhelmed, whether due to work pressure or personal commitments such as caring for family members. Symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and a decline in motivation. It is important to recognise these signs early so that you can take steps to reduce your stress levels before they get out of control. Taking breaks throughout the day, setting realistic goals and expectations, getting enough sleep every night and exercising regularly are effective ways to manage burnout symptoms.
Read more about burnout
Depression, on the other hand, is often triggered by life events such as divorce or job loss, but can also occur without any obvious cause. People suffering from depression may feel hopeless, empty or guilty, often have trouble sleeping and have little energy. They suffer from frequent headaches and stomach aches, have difficulty concentrating, withdraw from social activities and lose interest in hobbies they used to enjoy. Depression requires professional help because it cannot be overcome easily. Treatment options range from therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy has proven particularly helpful) to medication such as antidepressants, which restore the balance of neurotransmitters involved in regulating emotions (however, this should always be discussed with a doctor first).
Self-test: Do I have depression?
It is important to remember that both burnout and depression are treatable if detected early enough. So don’t hesitate to seek help if you think you may be affected by either of these problems . Talking about how you feel can make a big difference! In addition, everyone can change their lifestyle, regardless of whether they suffer from mental health problems or not: eat balanced meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly (even a walk is enough), practise relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, avoid drugs and alcohol, etc.
All these things together should lead to us feeling happier and healthier overall!