My previous post addressed burnout. Today, I wanted to share a bit more about burnout and how it overlaps with depression. While they aren't exactly the same, they do share some similar features, and it's important to be aware of them. Burnout isn't confined to work; it can seep into other parts of your life, impacting your relationships and overall well-being.
Even though the ICD-11 describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition, many of its signs and symptoms look a lot like depression. I'm not saying they're the same, just highlighting some common ground. Both can affect you emotionally, mentally, and physically.
There's a crosswalk between burnout and depression. Common signs of burnout include exhaustion, feelings of isolation, irritability, trouble sleeping, frequent illnesses, loss of interest in things or activities you once found pleasurable, and difficulty focusing, which are also seen with depression.
Unlike burnout, depression has specific diagnostic criteria that can help guide the proper support and treatment. According to the World Health Organization, burnout tends to be tied to your work environment. In contrast, depression is a diagnosable condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
If you're wondering whether you're experiencing burnout or depression, it's a good idea to talk to a mental health professional. Understanding whether you're experiencing burnout or depression can be tricky because of the overlapping signs and symptoms. You can experience burnout and depression at the same time. Therefore, getting the right support sooner rather than later can make a big difference in your recovery.
Remember, neither burnout nor depression will go away on its own; therefore, you need to make changes and adopt behaviors that help you return to a state of wellness. If you find it challenging to do this on your own, reaching out to a mental health expert can provide you with valuable resources and guidance on your journey back to wellness.
The Mental Health Space. Empowering Minds. Inspiring Lives.
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