Burnout vs depression, how do you tell them apart, and when should you be concerned? While they share many symptoms, they’re not the same. Understanding the key differences between burnout and depression is essential for finding the right support. In short: burnout is typically triggered by external stressors like work, while depression is a more pervasive mental health condition that affects all areas of life. Both are serious, and both are treatable.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged or chronic stress, especially related to work, caregiving, or ongoing pressure. It isn’t classified as a mental illness, but it can have serious impacts on your wellbeing.
Unlike depression, burnout is usually tied to a specific context (e.g. your job), and symptoms may improve when you’re removed from that environment or take time to recover.
Depression, or major depressive disorder is a recognised mental health condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and ability to function. It can develop gradually or suddenly and may not always have a clear external cause.
While burnout tends to be situational and temporary, depression is more persistent and impacts every area of life, not just your work.
| Category | Burnout | Depression |
| Cause | Work, chronic stress, caregiving | Can develop without clear cause |
| Mood | Irritable, overwhelmed, detached | Persistently sad, hopeless, or empty |
| Functionality | Still functioning in some areas | Often affects ability to complete daily tasks |
| Relief | Symptoms improve with rest or time off | Symptoms persist despite time off |
| Scope | Typically work- or role-specific | Affects all areas of life |
| Risk | May lead to depression if untreated | May require clinical treatment and long-term care |
It’s also possible to experience both burnout and depression at the same time. If you’re not sure, seeking a professional opinion is the best next step.
Yes, and this is more common than many people realise. Burnout can develop into depression, especially if the stress continues long-term or if the person doesn’t have support systems in place. What starts as work-related exhaustion may spiral into something deeper and harder to manage on your own.
This is why early intervention is important. You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis to reach out for help. A psychologist can help you explore what you’re experiencing, whether it’s burnout, depression, or both, and guide you toward the right strategies.
While burnout is often associated with overwork or long hours, another contributor that often goes unnoticed is emotional labour, the mental energy spent managing emotions, especially in caring or service roles.
If you’re a teacher, nurse, parent, or frontline worker, you may be expected to remain calm, compassionate, and emotionally available even when you’re overwhelmed. Over time, this can become emotionally draining and lead to burnout, particularly in women.
For further reading on how emotional labour contributes to burnout, we recommend this in-depth article by The Guardian: Emotional Labour and the Gender Gap at Work – The Guardian
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with what exactly you’re feeling, or you feel stuck, low, or emotionally exhausted, that’s reason enough to reach out. Mental health isn’t a competition of who has it “worse.” If your wellbeing is affected, you deserve support.
You don’t need a diagnosis to start a conversation with a psychologist. Early support can prevent things from worsening and help you regain clarity, energy, and direction
At Hunter Psychological Services, we know that burnout and depression can feel similar, and overwhelming. Our team of experienced psychologists work with clients from all walks of life, offering support that is:
We work with individuals experiencing burnout, stress, depression, and emotional exhaustion, helping them develop strategies to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.
Whether you need short-term support to recover from burnout or ongoing therapy to manage depression, we’re here to help, without judgment and at your pace.
Not sure if it’s burnout or depression? You don’t have to figure it out alone. The first step is simply reaching out. Our team at Hunter Psychological Services is ready to listen and support you through whatever you’re facing.
Contact Hunter Psychological Services today to book a confidential appointment.
Let’s work together to find clarity, build balance, and help you feel more like yourself again.
Our three experienced psychologists Paula, Zahra & Cindy are now welcoming new clients. Expertise includes anxiety, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, bipolar and more. Our new clinicians can also offer therapy in a second language! Paula offers sessions in Spanish, Zahra in French and Cindy in Mandarin. Book your appointment today!