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Burnout or Depression?
Do I have a burnout or depression? Or perhaps both? The two conditions share similarities but are not the same. Read about the similarities and differences between depression and burnout.
Similarities Between Burnout and Depression
The symptoms of burnout and depression partially overlap. Some common symptoms include:
- Feeling down and lacking energy
- Emotional imbalance and social withdrawal
- Possible sleep problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired memory function
- Feelings of guilt
- Often having a negative self-image
What Is the Difference Between a Burnout and a Depression?
Burnout and depression differ in several key aspects. Distinguishing between the two is important because their treatments vary. Below, we highlight the four main differences.
Burnout
- An energy disorder
- You want to, but you can’t
- Feel refreshed in the morning
- Still able to enjoy things
Do you recognize these burnout symptoms? Don’t ignore them for too long. Professional help can support your recovery.
Depression
- A mood disorder
- You can, but you don’t want to
- Feel tired in the morning
- Unable to enjoy things
Do you identify with these depression symptoms? Or only partially? There are different types of depression. Don’t let your symptoms persist. Read more about what you can do for depression or which therapy options might help. 
What Is the Relationship Between Burnout and Depression?
A burnout can lead to depression due to hormonal, psychological, and behavioral factors. Here’s how:
- Prolonged stress—a key cause of burnout—affects the level of stress hormones in your body. Your cortisol levels increase.
- Higher cortisol levels alter the amount of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences mood and self-confidence. More cortisol means your body produces less serotonin.
- More stress = less serotonin = a higher risk of depression.
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that helps prevent depression.If you have a burnout, you may suddenly struggle with tasks that used to be easy for you, such as getting dressed or grocery shopping. This limitation can make you feel ashamed, insecure, or down. You may withdraw more quickly, do less, and become less proactive. Do you experience these feelings for a long time? And do you continue to isolate yourself? Then the risk of developing depression increases.
Help
Do you recognize the symptoms above but aren’t sure whether you have a burnout or depression? Our psychologists are happy to help you.
Psychologists specialized in Burnout or Depression?
Related symptoms
Burn-out
Burnout is your body’s response to experiencing too much stress. Your physical and mental reserves are depleted because, for example, you’re experiencing a toxic situation at work. It could also be the result of having to care for a sick friend or family member, intense periods of study, or long-term financial concerns.
Burnout and Sleep
Feeling burned out and getting good sleep can be difficult. Chronic stress disrupts sleep, and sleep deprivation makes you even more exhausted. But to recover from (severe) burnout, sleep is essential. Why is sleep so important during burnout? How can you improve your sleep when it seems impossible?
Causes and Effects of Burnout
Work stress is a very common cause of burnout. This is because you’re lacking that state of balance between relaxation and exertion. Additionally, certain personality traits make you more prone to mental exhaustion. We’re talking perfectionism and people who have trouble setting boundaries. If you’re experiencing mental exhaustion, then you’re already on the road to ‘burnout’ – a condition that has both physical and mental repercussions, as far as your health is concerned.
Get help from a Burn-out psychologist
Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about feelings and symptoms. In addition, you will receive information about a suitable treatment that suits you.
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