The differences between depression and mental burnout can be difficult to see. Still, it is important to learn about and understand them to decide on proper treatment. Many of us consider mental burnout to be similar to depression, and some aspects are the same. Still, mental health professionals do make a differentiation between the two.
When you are facing the feeling of mental burnout, you might think you are depressed. While the two are not mutually exclusive, there are symptoms that you can look out for to differentiate the two. Knowing how to tell the difference between the two can help you on your journey to recovery. Below we discuss the differences between depression and mental burnout.
The Symptoms of Mental Burnout
Understanding mental burnout and depression can be difficult, but knowing what the symptoms are can help you work towards a solution for your issues. Mental burnout can often be noted in the following symptoms:
- Every day feels as though it is a bad day
- Feelings of fatigue or exhaustion in the morning
- Feeling emotionally drained from daily work
- Concerns over domestic responsibilities feel as though they are a waste of time
- You feel overwhelmed and under-appreciated
- Feelings of depersonalisation towards others
You may also feel disengaged from projects or activities you once loved because you are too exhausted to take part in them. Mental burnout is most commonly experienced by those who work in fast-paced industries. It is often referred to when speaking about workplace stress. It is not just the problem of the individual; it is a problem of the workplace too.
The Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can often look and feel similar to those of mental burnout. Still, one of the significant differences is that a person can experience depression, whether they are employed or not. The symptoms of depression can manifest as below:
- Problems concentrating on everyday tasks
- Having a hopeless outlook on life
- Experiencing memory issues or even memory loss
- An increase in fatigued feelings throughout the day
- Heightened anxiety for no known reason
- Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining restful sleep
One of the significant differences in depression and mental burnout symptoms is that depression sufferers sometimes think or become more vocal about death. They may even become fixated on the idea that death will solve their problems. If you or a loved one experiences these feelings, it is necessary to contact a mental health professional immediately.
Also read: What You Need To Know About Suicide Prevention
The Causes of Mental Burnout
Mental burnout is often caused by a stressful environment, where you feel overworked, undervalued, and always under pressure. While it generally refers to those in the workforce, a stay-at-home parent can feel equally burnt out and experience these same feelings.
Lifestyle factors can also cause burnout, such as working too hard without making time for friends or taking on too many responsibilities without any help. If you have a high-achieving personality, you might also experience mental burnout more often. Exhaustion is more common among those who push themselves too hard to reach their goals.
The Causes of Depression
There is no definitive cause of depression, but several issues are linked to its development and eventual fruition. Depression can stem from a culmination of life events that spiral out of control or genetic factors and chemical imbalances. If there is a family history of depression, it could be the cause of your own depression or mental health issues.
Drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to depression, especially if the addiction is not treated and the person does not have a chance to recover properly. Depression can also manifest in personalities that tend towards self-doubt, low self-esteem and anxiety.
Also read: Why Self-Esteem Is Important To Your Mental Health
Related Problems
While anyone can experience depression at any time, mental burnout is more likely to be experienced by people in high-stress work situations. However, it is important to note that depression and mental burnout can be related and can lead to one another.
If you feel you are experiencing mental burnout or depression, reach out to a Mental Health Professional before the situation disables you entirely. You can also call or WhatsApp the
24/7-Helpline on 072 7900 506
Read More:
Mental Burnout – Get Help Before It Disables You
