Are You Experiencing Burnout Or Depression At Work? Know Signs, Difference | Explained
Burnout shares some features with melancholic depression such as a feeling of loss of pleasure, energy. But it shares more similarities with non-melancholic depression such hopelessness, difficulty in sleeping
Do you feel exhausted or emotionally drained before even starting your day at work? You are not alone. More than half of Indians experience burnout — a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion following prolonged stress.
Though burnout and depression look similar and are relatively common conditions, there are differences. Let us understand.
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What Is Burnout?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout as an “occupational phenomenon" results from excessive demanding workload pressures that does not apply to other areas of life.
While those experiencing burnout are typically workplace professionals, but those taking care of children or elderly people with demanding needs are also at risk.
Some of the symptoms of burnout are:
• Exhaustion as the primary symptom
• Brain fog (poor concentration and memory)
• Difficulty finding pleasure in anything
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling anxious and irritable
• Impaired work performance
Many people can develop a burning out phase in a week or two of intense work and enter a burnout stage over years of unrelenting work pressure.
What Is Depression?
Depression, officially known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition with a set list of diagnostic criteria. It often affects most or all areas of your life, including occupation, academics, cognitive abilities, emotions, social function, and personal agency.
When a person feels depressed, there is a drop in self-worth, increase in self-criticism and feelings of hopelessness persist.
There are two types of depression:
• Melancholic depression has genetic causes, which episodes largely occurring all of a sudden
• Non-melancholic depression is caused by environmental factors triggered by life events
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, lists the formal symptoms of MDD as:
• low mood (sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, despair)
• loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• unintentional weight or appetite changes
• sleeping too much or too little
• fatigue or energy loss
• restlessness or slowed motor function
• challenged concentration or difficulty making decisions
• recurrent suicidal ideation
MDD may also have physical symptoms such as:
• body or joint aches and pains
• headache
• cramps
• digestive issues
What’s The Difference Between The Two?
Burnout shares some features with melancholic depression such as a feeling of loss of pleasure, energy and concentration skills.
But it shares more similarities with non-melancholic depression such as a lack of motivation, difficulties sleeping or being cheered up, where environmental factors play a major role.
Unlike depression, burnout does not have defined diagnostic criteria, but some of the reported symptoms are increased anxiety, low tolerance of frustration, fearfulness, inadequate sleep, muscle tension, headaches and digestive issues.
A 2021 study indicates that people who experience burnout are prone to feel depressed, but that does not necessarily result in clinical depression.
What Are The Risk Factors And Causes Of Burnout?
A trait like perfectionism can put people at a much higher risk of burnout. But they are less likely to become depressed if they avoid stressful events and keep situations under control.
Those who experience burnout feel overwhelmed by demands or deadlines that they can’t keep up with, creating a sense of helplessness.
On the contrary, depressed people report lower self-esteem and feel that they and their future is hopeless.
However, it is not uncommon for someone to experience both depression and burnout.
Some of the causes listed by a therapist include long work hours, high-stake responsibilities, unrealistic expectations, a toxic work environment, expectation of high performance with limited resources, no or limited employee benefit, perfectionism and low compensation.
What Is The Toll Of Burnout On Indian Employees?
The International Labour Organization (2024) reports that Indian employees average work week is 47 hours, which is higher than many other Asia-Pacific countries, including China, with low wages.
About 62% of Indian employees experience work-related stress, nearly three times the global average, according to CII’s 2023-24 Annual Report, as quoted by The Economic Times.
Many of those who face long work hours and job stress are at a risk of heart disease, mental health issues and even suicide. A 2021 analysis by Peek-Asa C and other authors connected high work stress to a 13.5% increase in work-related suicides.
Many employees feel the pressure to perform beyond regular hours to retain jobs and secure promotions. In India, where there is a large pool of unemployed skilled young people, longer work hours and limited flexibility have become a norm with companies.
What Is The Grim Picture Of Depression In India?
According to a recent report by the WHO, 56 million, or 4.5% of Indians, suffer from depression and another 38 million, or 3.5% Indians suffer from anxiety disorders.
According to a Deloitte survey of 3,995 employees in 2021-2022, 59% reported symptoms of depression, including feelings of sadness, lack of interest, fatigue, concentration issues, and poor decision-making.
In a 2021 UNICEF survey, around 14% of 15 to 24-year-olds in India reported frequently feeling depressed or disinterested.
How To Manage Burnout And Depression?
Strenuous exercise, meditation and mindfulness are effective ways to deal with everyday stress.
For melancholic depression, clinicians will often recommend antidepressant medication. For non-melancholic depression, clinicians will help address and manage triggers that are the root cause. Others will benefit from antidepressants or formal psychotherapy, as per The Conversation.
Several countries such as Australia, France, Italy, Spain and Belgium have passed the laws the give employees the right to disconnect from work after hours.
India does not have specific laws recognising the right to disconnect from work. However, the Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy, and various judicial pronouncements have spoken of the right to work in a conducive and healthy environment.
According to a 2020 research by Berkery and others, companies that implement flexible schedules or hybrid work options help reduce employee stress and see a boost in productivity.
Regular wellness sessions, including yoga and mindfulness exercises can help employees manage stress effectively.
For the right diagnosis, it is best to speak with your doctor or clinician who would give you a sense of the “whole picture".
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