Disclaimer: This article talks about mental health conditions. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered or taken in lieu professional medical advice. Please always speak to your healthcare professional.
If the year is already starting to feel like a bit of a drag and you’re finding yourself on the brink of burnout, you’re not alone. 61 per cent of Australian workers have reported feeling burnt out at some stage in their lives, which is well above the global average of 48 per cent. That’s a large chunk of the workforce, but it’s important to remember exactly what burnout is, and not conflate it with depression, so that we can effectively combat it.
Burnout and depression may both cause mental distress, but they have different causes and need to be managed differently.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling like you’re experiencing one of the two. How you respond to them begins with understanding their differences. And know that there are always treatment options and medical professionals ready to assist and support you.
What is burnout?
According to the World Health Organisation, burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” that arises from demanding workloads or excessive work pressures. Interestingly, it is not necessarily linked to the type of work that we get paid for. Cases of burnout have been recorded in relation to parenting and housework.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders set out to distinguish burnout from depression and point out the symptoms that differentiate the two. It singled out the following symptoms to assist with self-diagnosis:
- Exhaustion, as the primary symptom
- Brain fog
- Difficulty finding pleasure in anything
- Social withdrawal
- Feeling anxious and irritable
- Poorer performance at work
The study also argued that while people can show signs of burning out after a week or two of heightened work pressure, burnout usually occurs after years of consistent pressure.
What is depression?
Depression involves a drop in self-worth, a rise in self-criticism and a general feeling of hopelessness. Note that having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have clinical depression, which requires a diagnosis.
There are two types of clinical depression. The first is known as melancholic depression. It is rooted in genetics and can present itself with little to no prior warning signs. The second is non-melancholic depression, which is caused by environmental factors.
What’s the difference between depression and burnout?
Burnout shares some similarities with non-melancholic depression, including a lack of motivation, difficulties sleeping and a persistent feeling of sadness. Where burnout and depression differ is in their root causes.
Sufferers of burnout generally experience the condition because they feel overwhelmed by demands or deadlines they can’t meet, which creates a sense of helplessness. They usually don’t question their own self-worth as a result of these expectations, but instead consider the issues to be external.
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Depression, on the other hand, is marked by a drop in self-worth, and sufferers feel that they are the cause of their own problems.
Despite their differences, it is not uncommon to experience burnout and depression simultaneously.
How can you treat burnout?
To prevent burnout, a good strategy is to identify and address the stressors that are causing it. Often these will be linked to the workplace, so taking a break from work and scheduling some time off can be a massive help.
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Reassessing your work-life balance can also help. Remember that under the new right to disconnect legislation, Australians don’t have to answer work phone calls or emails after hours. Setting boundaries that separate work from the rest of your life can be a difference make in managing burnout.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
