In Light of the Current Mental Health Awareness Trends,
I just wanted to say that while burn out is not a clinical diagnosis, it is real; and sometimes it’s hard to differentiate it from feelings of depression. In fact, a recent study on http://www.psychcentral.com noted that “people who experience burnout are prone to symptoms of depression, but that doesn’t directly result in a clinical depression diagnosis.”
Symptoms of Burnout Can be the Following:
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite/sleep
- cynicism
- Self Doubt
- Feeling alone or detached
- Loss of motivation
- Decreased satisfaction
- Reduced performance
- Procrastination
Symptoms of Depression Can be the Following:
- Lasting anxious/sad mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- constant guilt
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest or hobbies
- Problems concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions
So, What is the Difference?
Depression is often a result from an internal experience, whereas burnout is a result of your external environment. While they can mimic each other in some areas, you can identify the two by creating a mood journal. Personally, I know I am struggling with burnout when I take on too many tasks at once and it begins to feel like I am almost paralyzed when it comes to completing even the most mundane tasks. Burnout is complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. I know that depression can also look like that. So, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- What has changed in my environment lately? (Moving, New Baby, New Job?)
- Have I been experiencing this in recent events or has this feeling been looming over me for months, even years?
- Have new stressors or negative people been added to my life?
- Have my priorities and goals changed?
Is There a Silver Lining?
Of course! Whether you are experiencing depression or burnout, there is help! The good news about burnout is that it typically can ease with rest or time off. If you notice that after clearing your to-do list and taking some much needed self care you are still experiencing symptoms, you may want to reach out to a therapist about clinical depression. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you need to do this.
Mental health is not taboo anymore! It is finally getting the recognition and respect that it deserves. There was a time when speaking to someone about your emotions made you seem “crazy,” but now it’s quite the opposite. I have never felt more reassured and sane than after leaving my very first therapy session. I’ll never forget the feeling of relief when I poured out all of my problems and worst fears, only to learn that I’m one in literal thousands who experience the exact same thoughts or feelings on a daily basis. (Whew!)
Breathe, re-center your focus, and remember; this too shall pass!
