What’s the difference between burnout and depression?

Some symptoms that are typical for burnout can also be present in people with depression:

extreme exhaustion
depressed state
low productivity

Because the symptoms are similar but the treatments are different, it is important to see a psychologist for help. For example, if you send someone with burnout on vacation, it will help them, but if you tell a depressed person to take some time off, their condition might get even worse because depressed people have to get professional and medical help.

Also, an emotional and aggressive reaction to the surroundings is normal for a burnout. But when a person is depressed, their negative feelings and thoughts are targeted more at themselves, not only their job.

Other symptoms of depression are:

low self-esteem and apathy
hopelessness

These things are not typical for burnout because most problems are connected with the job.

Conclusion: people with burnout don’t always have depression. But burnout might increase the risk of depression. So, before doing anything, you should find out what exactly is happening.

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