When experiencing depression or burnout, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two. 

Both states of being can feel very similar, as both of them have the person feeling sad, alone, run down, tired, hopeless and more. But there are actually a few key differences between the two. 

Depression 

The definition of depression is: “a common mental health condition characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life.”

This mental health condition is connected to a lot more than just an event in someone’s life. It is a deep emotional and mental feeling and state of mind. It is basically a way of living. 

With a large connection to elements of everyday life such as anxiety, sadness, feeling left out or alone and much much more, it can be very hard to pull oneself out of it. It can cause darker thoughts and actions to play out. 

Often, those who are experiencing depression may not realize they are experiencing it until a later date or if someone else in their life suggests that they may be experiencing it. 

Burnout

The definition of burnout is: “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.”

Burnout is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Your body and mind is essentially just opting out of working anymore, or having a very hard time working. 

It is caused by a continuously high stress work or life environment. Burnout is usually caused by a high anxiety-inducing workplace which get carried outside of the work area and brought into your own life, causing a bad work-life balance. 

Overworking, stressing too much, unclear expectations, lack of sleep and more cause burnout to happen. 

While depression is a constant state of being, burnout can have an end that is easier to pull yourself out of. Usually it consists of simply taking a break and getting the proper amount of sleep. 

A big problem people have with burnout though, is that they heal from the bout of it, and then they instantly go right back into that same high stress environment which ends up causing another bout of burnout. 

Depression and burnout may feel the same and have many similar qualities, but understanding the cause of either case can allow you to get the help you need and deserve. 

Take a look at your everyday life and see if your stress levels are at an all time high or not. Or if you are stuck in a rut that you can’t get out of. Those small details may be the key factor to figuring out the best ways to help yourself.