The Difference Between Stress, Burnout, and Depression

The words stress, burnout, and depression are often used interchangeably, but there are significant differences between the three. Understanding the difference can help us form a plan to reduce stress and burnout or heal from depression. By knowing if we are suffering from stress, burnout, or depression, we can better identify the origin of our struggle. For example, stress is part of our natural alarm system designed to keep us safe. Knowing that, we can examine why the body is telling us we need to be on high alert. Stress often feels like physical tension and comes with racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and sleepless nights. Often, stress is a by-product of not trusting ourselves to handle challenging situations and dynamics. Doing the work to understand that you are capable and safe will be a big step towards reducing stress.

Long term stress can turn into burnout, but stress is not the only reason we experience burnout. When we over commit and overextend ourselves, we are more likely to experience burnout. We can experience overexertion in our professional and personal lives by taking on too much. It can be too much time, too many responsibilities, or too much emotional labor. Some key indicators that you are feeling burnout are emotional exhaustion, a sense of detachment, increased pessimism, and physical exhaustion. Doing a self-assessment and asking yourself if you are overextending and then finding places to cut back will help reduce burnout. Stress and burnout can lead to depression, but they are not the only causes.

It is important to address stress and burnout as part of keeping depression at bay. Depression is more than feeling a little down; it is a persistent feeling of hopelessness. Indicators of depression include feeling empty, a lack of interest in life friends and family, as well as feelings of worthlessness. Depression doesn’t always have a clear cause and can lead to thoughts of self-harm. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference when coping with depression. Doing one thing a day that creates hope for the future can also help. Know that you don’t have to do this alone. Getting help can make a significant impact in coping with stress, burnout and depression. You deserve to have more good days than bad.