Saolitas Nirvana

Burnout vs. Depression

Burnout shares symptoms with some mental health conditions, such as depression. Depression symptoms also include a loss of interest in things, feelings of hopelessness, cognitive and physical symptoms, as well as thoughts of su***de. How can you tell if it is burnout versus depression?

Individuals with depression experience negative feelings and thoughts about all aspects of life, not just at work. If this is how you feel, a mental health professional can help. Seeking help is important because individuals experiencing burnout may be at a higher risk of developing depression.

Mental Burnout Symptoms

Burnout also impacts you mentally and emotionally. Here are some of the most common mental symptoms of burnout:5

Concentration issues
Depressed mood
Feeling worthless
Loss of interest or pleasure
Suicidal ideation

Physical Burnout Symptoms

When you experience burnout, your body will often display certain signs. Research indicates that some of the most common physical burnout symptoms include:3

Gastrointestinal problems
High blood pressure
Poor immune function (getting sick more often)
Reoccurring headaches
Sleep issues

Symptoms of Burnout

While burnout isn’t a diagnosable psychological disorder, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Burnout symptoms can affect you both physically and mentally.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress. It is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability. More simply put, if you feel exhausted, start to hate your job, and begin to feel less capable at work, you are showing signs of burnout.

Most people spend the majority of their waking hours working. So, if you hate your job, dread going to work, and don't gain any satisfaction from what you're doing, it can take a serious toll on your life. This toll shows up via burnout symptoms.

How to Deal With Burnout

Discuss work problems with your company's human resources department or your supervisor.

Explore less stressful positions or tasks within your company.
Take regular breaks.
Learn meditation or other mindfulness techniques.
Eat a healthy diet.
Get plenty of exercise.
Practice healthy sleep habits.
Consider taking a vacation.

Signs You're Burning Out

Recognizing the signs can help you better understand whether the stress you are experiencing is impacting you in a negative way. Here are a few to look for:

Gastrointestinal problems
High blood pressure
Poor immune function (getting sick more often)
Reoccurring headaches
Sleep issues
Concentration issues
Depressed mood
Feeling worthless
Loss of interest or pleasure
Suicidal ideation

How to Recognize Burnout Symptoms
What to Do When Your Job Is Stressing You Out

Experiencing workplace stress for prolonged periods can lead to burnout. Burnout symptoms include feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with daily life. If left unaddressed, your burnout may even make it difficult to function. Learn the physical and mental symptoms of burnout, factors that may increase your risk, and a few recovery strategies.

A Word From Verywell

Mindfulness takes practice and effort. No one is good at it when they first start. Your mind is likely to wander repeatedly.

But, with practice and patience, you'll get better. And eventually, you'll recognize that you're living a more mindful life and you'll be free to enjoy benefits, like decreased stress, better mental health, better relationships, and greater overall happiness.

You can also make it a habit to practice becoming more aware by focusing on your breathing when you're upset or anxious. Breathing techniques can have a calming effect and help you stay grounded in the present moment.

Progressive muscle relaxation is another exercise you might practice throughout the day. Simply, work on tensing and relaxing your muscles, one muscle group at a time. With practice, you'll learn to recognize when you're tensing up certain parts of your body.

Pause Throughout the Day

As you move from one activity to the next throughout the day, it can be tough to stay mindful. You can get back on track by pausing throughout the day to practice a few basic mindfulness exercises.

You might make it a habit to spend a few minutes being mindful at certain times of the day, like during meals or when you're getting the car. Or, you might schedule a time to practice meditation or yoga.

Another opportunity to practice mindfulness in your everyday life is when you're listening to music. Really focus on the sound and vibration of each note, the feelings that the music stirs up within you, and other in-the-moment sensations.

Throughout your day, look for opportunities to be more mindful. Whether you're riding in the subway or you're taking a hot shower, try to be fully aware of what you're doing and what's happening around you.