Burnout or depression? How to tell the difference

Q: Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained, even after a full night’s sleep. I have no motivation for things I used to enjoy. Could this be burnout or something deeper like depression? How do I tell the difference, and what can I do about it?

A: The symptoms described above are common to both burnout and depression, and it can be difficult to tell them apart. While they may feel similar, they differ in key ways.

Burnout usually stems from prolonged stress tied to a specific role or environment, most often work. You may be able to point to clear stressors such as an excessive workload, difficult dynamics, or lack of boundaries, that are draining you. When those stressors are reduced or removed, symptoms often improve. For example, someone burned out at work might still enjoy time with friends or family, or feel fine outside office hours.

Depression, however, is more pervasive. It seeps into every area of life, affecting energy, mood, and motivation across the board. People with depression often describe not just exhaustion, but numbness, hopelessness, or emptiness. Joy fades from activities that once mattered, and even small tasks feel overwhelming. Depression may also bring appetite and sleep changes, as well as unusually harsh, self-critical thoughts.

If your symptoms are tied to one role or environment, it leans toward burnout. If they extend broadly, depression may be at play.

In either case, consider speaking with a mental health professional for a clear assessment. Depression is treatable with approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, and when appropriate, medication. Burnout, by contrast, often improves through interventions like setting firmer boundaries, rebalancing workload, prioritising self-care, or taking a break from stressors.

Meanwhile, practice self-kindness by challenging harsh inner dialogue and limiting self-criticism. Build consistent, small habits that support wellbeing: move your body, spend time outdoors, sleep well, and create clear boundaries around work or responsibilities. These steps won’t solve everything, but they help you build resilience while you address the root cause.