According to the latest research by YouGov, nine out of ten people in the UK experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress at some point in the last year, while one in three people described the stress as always or often being present. Stress is a precursor to burnout, a common condition that is sometimes mistaken for depression.
However, although there is some crossover between the symptoms of these two conditions, the causes and therefore the most effective treatments can be different. Therefore it’s important to understand the distinction. If you are in need of professional help, you may wish to consider depression therapy at our Manchester clinic.
What are the symptoms of burnout?
Stress is a normal part of life, but prolonged stress with no relief can lead to a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. The source of stress may be a job, caring responsibilities, a chaotic lifestyle, or driven by personality traits such as perfectionism or a need to always be in control.
Burnout may result in a withdrawal from interests and activities; procrastination; outbursts of anger; increased use of drugs or alcohol; and a sense of failure, helplessness and detachment from life. It can also cause physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, gastrointestinal issues; fatigue; and changes to usual sleep or appetite patterns.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is a complex mental health condition that negatively affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It can be triggered by external factors such as feeling trapped in a stressful situation, but it can also have biological or psychological causes.
Key symptoms of depression include a persistent low mood; loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed; a state of exhaustion that isn’t improved by rest or a break from a stressful situation; feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness; and changes in sleep and appetite.
What are the key differences between burnout and depression?
In general, burnout is a temporary condition that is most often triggered by work or caring duties. This can lead to a withdrawal or lack of motivation for those particular duties, but the person may still find enjoyment in unrelated activities such as sports or hobbies.
Fatigue is common, but it can be relieved by rest and a phased return to work or other duties. However, in some cases, if burnout is not recognised or treated properly, it can escalate into depression.
Depression is a clinical condition that causes a persistent and deep sadness, and a state of fatigue that doesn’t improve even with rest. The person may lose interest in almost all areas of their life that they previously enjoyed.
Treating depression can be complex, because it may have deep-seated causes that take time and patience to unravel. A person who is displaying ongoing signs of depression should be encouraged to seek professional help, because it can be very difficult to overcome alone.