Depression or burnout? How to tell the difference

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Depression and burnout can overlap, and it can be difficult to tell them apart without individual assessment. Both can involve exhaustion, reduced concentration, disrupted sleep, irritability, withdrawal, low motivation or a sense that ordinary tasks are harder than usual. Context, symptoms, duration, physical health, risk and practical pressures can all be relevant. A guide cannot determine a diagnosis, cause or universally most effective approach. Burnout is often used to describe the effects of sustained pressure, commonly connected with work, study, caring or another demanding role. The strain may feel most intense around the setting that has become overloaded. Depression can affect mood, hope, enjoyment, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and day to day functioning more widely. These descriptions can be useful, but they are not a self diagnosis test. Someone may recognise parts of both, or neither. An assessment can consider what changed first, what happens away from the original pressure, whether rest alters the pattern, the effect on work and relationships, physical health, medication, substance use, recent events, financial pressures and safety. It may identify that medical review, occupational health, practical support, workload changes, employment advice, psychological therapy or another response is more relevant. A therapist cannot provide legal or employment advice, diagnose a medical condition or decide what workplace action should be taken. CBT based therapy may be considered after assessment where appropriate. It can explore patterns of worry, self criticism, avoidance, overwork, guilt or reduced activity. It cannot promise recovery, determine whether a job should be left or replace medical, occupational or crisis care. If low mood, exhaustion or loss of interest is persistent, worsening, affecting safety, or difficult to understand, seek appropriate professional support rather than relying on a self check. Urgent appropriate help is needed if you feel unable to stay safe, have thoughts of suicide or self harm, experience psychosis, a sudden marked change in mental state or acute physical symptoms. For related information, see <a href="/therapy/depression/">depression support</a> and <a href="/therapy/anxiety/">anxiety support</a>. The Lyceum provides CBT based support in West London and online where clinically appropriate. Enquire directly about current arrangements and whether an assessment, medical review or another form of support may be relevant.