What is the Difference Between Burnout & Depression

Certain symptoms are typical for burnout but can also occur in the DSM-V TR Manual for Depression. These symptoms include extreme exhaustion, feeling down, and reduced performance. Because the symptoms of burnout are often, at least initially, like depression, some people may be diagnosed with burnout despite experiencing clinical signs of depression. It is therefore important not to self-diagnose burnout too quickly. Doing so could lead to the wrong treatment. For instance, advising someone with depression to take a long vacation or time off work. People who are only exhausted because of work can recover if they follow a change in lifestyle with their employer. However, with depression, taking this type of advice may lead to further complications.

Some characteristics of burnout can be very specific, and often related to one’s work environment or problems with work-life balance, where depression is a treatable chemical imbalance, with appropriate treatment and possible medication these symptoms can be elevated. Differences include low self-esteem, hopelessness, and suicidal tendencies (thinking about killing oneself). These aren't regarded as typical symptoms of burnout. People with burnout may increase the risk of someone getting depression, but these are two different diagnoses.²⁴