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Burnout vs. Depression

Updated: Apr 15

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout vs. Depression:

A Guide to Finding Relief

burnout vs depression

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, I’m so tired all the time—what’s wrong with me? Or maybe you’ve noticed that the things you used to enjoy just don’t feel the same anymore. You might be wondering: Am I burned out, or could this be depression?

If you’re asking that question, you’re not alone. I hear it from clients in my practice all the time. The truth is, burnout and depression often look and feel very similar—but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting the right kind of support and, most importantly, feeling better.


As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with an integrative approach, I specialize in helping adults uncover the root causes of their mental health struggles. I know that no two experiences with burnout or depression are exactly alike. That’s why I believe in creating personalized, holistic treatment plans—because your path to feeling better should be as unique as you are.

Let’s break this down together.

Burnout vs Depression: What Exactly Is Burnout?


Burnout isn’t just being “tired” or “stressed out.” It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress—most often related to work, caregiving, or other high-responsibility roles.


When you’re burned out, your tank isn’t just low; it’s empty. Even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. You might feel like you’re running on autopilot—pushing through, but disconnected from any real sense of purpose or satisfaction.


Common Signs of Burnout:

  • Emotional exhaustion

    • Feeling drained, irritable, or emotionally numb.

  • Cynicism or detachment

    • You might feel “checked out” or resentful, especially toward work or responsibilities.

  • Reduced performance

    • Tasks that were once easy feel hard, and your focus and productivity take a hit.

  • Physical symptoms

    • Headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or sleep disruptions.


Burnout tends to creep in gradually, often impacting high-achievers and caregivers—people who give a lot to others but may neglect their own needs. Sound familiar?

Burnout vs Depression: And What About Depression?


Depression is different. It’s not just about being overworked or tired—it’s a mental health condition that can affect every part of your life, even when nothing seems “wrong” from the outside.


Common Signs of Depression:

  • Persistent sadness or emptiness

    • More than a bad day; a low mood that lingers for weeks or months.

  • Loss of interest or pleasure

    • Even hobbies, socializing, or time with family may feel flat or meaningless.

  • Changes in sleep or appetite

    • Sleeping too much or too little; sudden weight changes.

  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

    • You might feel like a failure, or that you’re letting others down.

  • Difficulty concentrating

    • Even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

  • Thoughts of death or suicide – This is a serious sign that requires immediate support.


Depression often shows up without a clear “cause.” You might look at your life and think, I should be happy—so why do I feel this way?

Burnout vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference


Ask Yourself:

  1. What triggered this?

    • Burnout is usually tied to work, caregiving, or a specific stressor.

    • Depression often lingers regardless of your circumstances.

  2. Do breaks help?

    • If time off helps you feel better, it’s likely burnout.

    • If rest doesn’t lift your mood, it may be depression.

  3. How do I feel about life as a whole?

    • Burnout often makes you resent work or obligations, but you may still enjoy other aspects of life.

    • Depression tends to make everything feel dull or hopeless.

  4. Am I physically drained or emotionally low?

    • Burnout feels like running on fumes.

    • Depression feels like carrying a heavy weight—emotionally and mentally.


When It’s Both

Sometimes, burnout triggers depression. Chronic stress can wear down your mental health, leading to symptoms of both.


I’ve worked with clients who came to me saying, I think I’m just burned out from work, only to discover they were dealing with both burnout and an underlying depressive episode. This overlap is common—and it’s why a personalized, thorough evaluation matters.

My Approach: Treating You as a Whole Person


If you’re feeling stuck—whether it’s burnout, depression, or something in between—I want you to know there’s a path forward.

In my practice, I take an integrative and personalized approach to mental health care. Here’s what that looks like:


1. Getting to the Root Cause

Instead of just treating symptoms, we dig deeper. Is your burnout purely work-related, or could there be underlying anxiety or ADHD making things harder? Is your depression situational, or are factors like hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or sleep disruptions contributing?

We work together to connect the dots.


2. Combining Science with Compassion

I value evidence-based treatments—but I also know that mental health is deeply personal. Some clients benefit from medication; others prefer natural or integrative options. We create a plan that aligns with your body, lifestyle, and values.


3. Tailored Treatment Modalities

Depending on your needs, we may explore:

  • Medication management (if appropriate)

  • Supplement recommendations for nutrient support

  • Lifestyle shifts—sleep, stress, and boundary-setting

  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

  • Therapeutic approaches (I often collaborate with trusted therapists if deeper talk therapy is needed)


This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s your plan, built for you.

What You Can Do Today


1. Get Curious, Not Critical

Instead of asking, Why can’t I just get it together?—try, What is my body telling me?

Your exhaustion, irritability, or sadness isn’t a weakness. It’s a signal.


2. Set Micro-Boundaries

If you’re burned out, start small:

  • Log off work on time.

  • Say “no” (or “not right now”) to one extra commitment.

These tiny shifts create breathing room.


3. Reconnect with Joy

Depression and burnout disconnect us from what makes us feel alive. Ask yourself:

  • What’s one thing that used to make me happy?

  • Can I spend 5-10 minutes on that today—just to see?

Even small moments of joy are powerful.


4. Reach Out for Support

You don’t need to figure this out alone. Sometimes, the best relief comes from simply having someone say, I see you. You’re not broken. Let’s figure this out together.

Burnout, Depression, or Both?

I Can Help You Figure It Out


If you’ve been wondering whether you’re just burned out—or if it’s something deeper like depression—you’re not alone. High-achieving women often walk the line between the two for years, minimizing their symptoms because “technically everything looks fine.”


What’s underneath is often a tangled web of perfectionism, anxiety, and imposter syndrome—pushing you to keep going long after your mind and body are screaming for rest. I help women get clarity on what’s really going on beneath the exhaustion and self-doubt, so we can treat the root causes and get you feeling like you again.


Not sure where to begin? My 7-Day Mental Health Reset offers a gentle, structured way to reconnect with yourself and get out of survival mode—one day at a time.


Curious about how else I can help? Check out these resources:


Or, when you're ready, schedule a consult to chat more.


You don’t have to keep guessing what’s wrong. There’s relief in naming it—and healing in finally being understood.



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