Burnout and Depression: What’s the Difference?

If your summer holiday already feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone. Burnout – a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion following prolonged stress – has been described in workplaces since a 5th century monastery in Egypt.

Burnout and depression can look similar and are relatively common conditions. It’s estimated that 30% of the Australian workforce is feeling some level of burnout while almost 20% of Australians are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

What is burnout?

The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from excessively demanding workload pressures. While it is typically associated with the workplace, carers of children or elderly parents with demanding needs are also at risk.

Our research created a set of burnout symptoms we captured in the Sydney Burnout Measure to assist self-diagnosis and clinicians undertaking assessments. They include:

• exhaustion as the primary symptom
• brain fog (poor concentration and memory)
• difficulty finding pleasure in anything
• social withdrawal
• an unsettled mood (feeling anxious and irritable)
• impaired work performance (this may be result of other symptoms such as fatigue)

What is depression?

A depressive episode involves a drop in self-worth, increase in self-criticism and feelings of wanting to give up. Not everyone with these symptoms will have clinical depression, which requires a diagnosis and has an additional set of symptoms.

Clinically diagnosed depression can vary by mood, how long it lasts and whether it comes back. There are two types of clinical depression:

1. melancholic depression has genetic causes, with episodes largely coming “out of the blue”
2. non-melancholic depression is caused by environmental factors, often triggered by significant life events which cause a drop in self-worth.

Looking for the root cause

The differences between burnout and depression become clearer when we look at why they happen.

Personality comes into play. Our work suggests a trait like perfectionism puts people at a much higher risk of burnout. But they may be less likely to become depressed as they tend to avoid stressful events and keep things under control.

What can you do?

A principal strategy in managing burnout is identifying the contributing stressors. For many people, this is the workplace. Taking a break, even a short one, or scheduling some time off can help.

Australians now have the right to disconnect, meaning they don’t have to answer work phone calls or emails after hours. Setting boundaries can help separate home and work life.

Burnout can also be caused by compromised work roles, work insecurity or inequity. More broadly, a dictatorial organisational structure can make employees feel devalued. In the workplace, environmental factors, such as excessive noise, can be a contributor. Addressing these factors can help prevent burnout.

As for managing symptoms, the monks had the right idea. Strenuous exercise, meditation and mindfulness are effective ways to deal with everyday stress.

Conclusion

Burnout and depression are complex conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of both conditions and seek professional help if needed. By understanding the differences between burnout and depression, we can better address the root causes and develop effective strategies for management and treatment.

FAQs

Q: What is burnout?
A: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental