Depression vs burnout – how to tell when it’s more than stress
Feeling exhausted, flat, or over it all the time can make you wonder: am I depressed or just burnt out? This article explains the difference, what to look for, and when it might be time to get support.
Feeling exhausted, flat or over it all the time can make you wonder: am I depressed or just burnt out? In modern life, a lot of us push on for months (or years) before we pause long enough to ask that question.
You might be juggling work or study, caring for kids or family, navigating health issues or just trying to get through each week without dropping the ball. It’s common to think “everyone’s stressed” or “I should be coping better,” even when your system has been running on empty for a long time.
What is depression, beyond feeling sad?
Depression is more than a rough patch. It’s a combination of changes in mood, energy, thinking and body that stick around and start to affect everyday life.
Common signs include:
- Low mood, emptiness or numbness most days
- Losing interest in things you’d usually enjoy
- Changes in sleep – too much, too little, or unrefreshing sleep
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling slowed down, foggy or unusually agitated
- Harsh self‑criticism, shame or feeling like a failure
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts that life isn’t worth living, or that people would be better off without you
You don’t need every symptom for it to be depression, and it can look different across cultures, genders and bodies. If several of these feel familiar most days for a couple of weeks or more, it’s worth taking seriously.
What is burnout?
Burnout is usually linked to chronic stress in one or more roles – work, study, parenting, caregiving, activism or managing your own health.
Classic features of burnout include:
- Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep
- Feeling emotionally drained before the day even starts
- Becoming more cynical, detached or snappy than usual
- Feeling like you’re never doing enough, no matter how hard you try
- Struggling to concentrate, remember things or stay motivated
- Losing your sense of achievement or purpose in the role that’s burning you out
Burnout often starts in a particular area (for example, work), but if it goes on long enough, it can spill over into the rest of life and start to look and feel a lot like depression.
Depression vs burnout: a few helpful questions
Only a health professional can diagnose depression, but these questions can help you make sense of what you’re going through.
1. Is it everywhere, or mostly in one area?
Burnout is usually tied to a specific context – like work, study or caring for someone. You might feel empty and resentful there, but still enjoy time with friends or hobbies. Depression tends to colour many parts of life, including things that usually feel meaningful.
2. How does genuine rest affect you?
With burnout, time off and realistic boundaries often bring at least some relief, even if you’re still tired. With depression, you might feel flat, guilty or hopeless even when there’s nothing on your plate and plenty of time to rest.
3. What’s happening with self‑worth?
Burnout often comes with frustration and feeling over it, but your basic sense of worth might remain intact. Depression can pull self‑worth down, leaving you feeling like a burden or convinced nothing will ever improve.
4. Are there thoughts about not wanting to be here?
Thoughts of self‑harm or not wanting to exist are a red flag regardless of whether the word is “burnout” or “depression”. They’re a sign you deserve prompt, compassionate support, not something you should have to handle alone.
When to consider getting support
You don’t need to wait until you “hit the wall” before talking to someone. It may be time to reach out if:
- You’ve felt low, numb or highly stressed most days for a few weeks or more
- Everything feels like a huge effort, including basic tasks
- You’re withdrawing from people or activities that usually keep you grounded
- You’re relying on alcohol, other substances or endless scrolling just to get through
- You’re worried about thoughts of self‑harm or not wanting to exist
A GP can help check for medical contributors (like thyroid issues, iron levels or hormonal changes) and, if appropriate, set up a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A therapist can offer a confidential space to unpack what’s going on and explore realistic next steps.
A gentle next step
If this resonates and you’re in Australia, it might help to have a conversation with someone who can sit with the nuance – not just “is it depression or burnout?”, but what is life actually like for you right now? You deserve support that takes your whole context into account, not just a label.
Is it depression or burnout?
Depression usually affects many areas of life – mood, energy, sleep, appetite and enjoyment – and often doesn’t ease much with rest or time off. Burnout is more often linked to a particular role (like work, study or caregiving) and may improve when demands are reduced or boundaries are strengthened. If you’re not sure which fits, or feel like it might be both, it’s best to talk with a GP or therapist rather than trying to diagnose yourself.
When should I see a therapist for depression or burnout?
It can be helpful to see a therapist if you’ve been feeling low, flat, overwhelmed or unlike yourself most days for a few weeks, or if stress is starting to affect your work, study, relationships or day‑to‑day tasks. You don’t need a formal diagnosis before reaching out – therapy can be a space to sort through whether what you’re feeling is depression, burnout, something else, or a mix.
Unison Mental Health is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to stay safe, please contact 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. For urgent mental health support, you can contact services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) or your local public mental health triage line.
Can burnout turn into depression if I ignore it?
Long‑term burnout and chronic stress can increase the risk of developing depression, especially if you feel stuck in the situation and don’t have enough support or options to change it. Research shows a strong link between burnout and depressive symptoms, even though they’re considered distinct conditions. Paying attention early – by adjusting demands where you can, setting boundaries, and getting professional support – can reduce the chance of burnout deepening into major depression.
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