Signs of Burnout vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference
If you’ve been feeling drained, disconnected, or like your spark is gone, you’re not alone. But knowing whether you’re experiencing burnout, depression, or both can be confusing—especially when the symptoms overlap.
At Beam, we often hear clients say:
"I’m tired all the time, nothing feels good anymore, but I still get things done—so is it really depression?"
This post breaks down the signs of burnout vs. depression and offers guidance on what to do if you’re not sure where you fall.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress, often related to work, caregiving, or other ongoing responsibilities. It’s not a mental illness—but it can absolutely affect your mental health.
Common signs of burnout include:
Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
Cynicism, irritability, or detachment from your work or relationships
Feeling unmotivated or ineffective
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
A sense of dread at the start of the day
Feeling emotionally numb or shut down
Burnout often shows up in people who care deeply—helpers, high-achievers, perfectionists, and those in under-resourced environments.
What Is Depression?
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a clinical mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function across multiple areas of life—not just work.
Signs of depression may include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or sleep
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
Trouble concentrating or remembering things
Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
While burnout is often linked to a specific stressor (like a job or role), depression tends to affect your whole self—your energy, your relationships, your sense of meaning.
Burnout vs. Depression: Key Differences
Symptom Burnout Depression
Cause Chronic external stress (e.g., work) Can arise with or without external stressors
Mood Irritability, detachment Sadness, hopelessness
Energy Exhausted but sometimes still functional Fatigue that may feel heavy or paralyzing
Interest Loss of motivation mostly around work Loss of pleasure in most or all areas of life
Self-worth Feels ineffective or overwhelmed Feels worthless or deeply self-critical
Recovery Rest and time off may help Rest often doesn’t improve symptoms
Of course, you can have both—and many people do. Burnout that goes untreated can evolve into clinical depression over time.
Why It’s So Easy to Miss the Signs
Burnout and depression often co-exist with high performance. You may still be getting things done, caring for others, or showing up for work—while quietly falling apart inside.
This is especially common among:
LGBTQ+ folks navigating systemic stress
Neurodivergent adults (especially those with ADHD)
Trauma survivors accustomed to “pushing through”
Helpers, therapists, nurses, teachers, and caregivers
Your ability to function does not mean you’re okay. You deserve support even if you’re still checking boxes.
How Therapy Can Help
Whether you're dealing with burnout, depression, or something in between, therapy can help you:
Identify the root causes of exhaustion
Learn to set boundaries that protect your energy
Reconnect with your needs and values
Develop self-compassion instead of self-blame
Restore a sense of balance and internal clarity
At Beam, we specialize in trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and neurodivergent-friendly therapy that sees you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis.
You Deserve More Than Just Getting By
If you're feeling lost, depleted, or like you’ve been running on empty for too long, it’s time to check in. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to start healing.
We offer virtual and in-person therapy and coaching sessions in Vermont and beyond.