You’re tired. You’re not motivated. You can’t seem to bounce back.
But is it just stress… or is it something more?
Many people ask this quietly, often at night, often when the world gets still and the exhaustion sets in:
Am I just burned out… or am I depressed?
Knowing the difference matters—not because one is worse, but because the way we respond can make all the difference in how we heal.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by sustained stress. It often happens when you’ve been pushing too hard for too long—with too little support.
Common signs:
- Mental fog or forgetfulness
- Feeling numb or disconnected
- Exhaustion that doesn’t go away after rest
- Dread about responsibilities or people
- Irritability and emotional flatness
Burnout usually improves with rest, boundaries, and rebalancing—but left unaddressed, it can spill into deeper emotional territory.
What Is Depression?
Depression goes deeper than burnout. It can begin without a clear external cause. It affects your thoughts, your sleep, your appetite, your sense of self.
Common signs:
- Persistent sadness or emotional heaviness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Changes in sleep or appetite (too much or too little)
- Thoughts of disappearing or not wanting to be here
Depression doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means your mind and body are signaling a deeper need for care—and often professional help.
Key Differences (in Plain Language):
| Burnout | Depression |
| Caused by external stress | Can exist without a clear cause |
| Improves with rest & boundaries | Often lingers even with rest |
| You still enjoy things deep down | You no longer care at all |
| Feels situational | Feels all-consuming |
| You’re tired | You feel empty or hopeless |
When in Doubt? Don’t Wait.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. If you’re asking the question, that’s a sign that something in you is asking to be seen, heard, and held. And that is more than enough reason to talk to someone.
NewVision Therapy Can Help
I work with women navigating both burnout and depression—especially when they’re intertwined.
Whether you’re in a season of stress, sadness, or searching for clarity, therapy can be a place to lay it down and begin again.
👉🏽 Visit NewVision Therapy to learn more or schedule a session.
Remember…
Burnout whispers: “I need a break.”
Depression whispers: “I feel lost.”
But both can be met with compassion, care, and the power of naming what you’re feeling.
Whatever you’re facing, you are not alone—and there is help.