The relentless pace of Mumbai’s corporate life puts plenty of pressure on working professionals. The non-stop environment blurs the line between intense burnout and depression. Both these issues share similar features, which makes it challenging to separate them. Depression affects each facet of a person’s life and function, while burnout symptoms center around work or certain situations. However, both conditions negatively affect an individual’s mental well-being.
Depression and burnout represent different experiences of mental and physical emotional disconnect, exhaustion, and reduced motivation. People may mistake depression for burnout or vice versa, which may lead to a delay in treatment. It is therefore important to understand and distinguish between these conditions in Mumbai’s professional landscape. Many individuals in Mumbai may ignore their mental health struggles due to social stigma. This is why getting help early helps individuals live a healthy and prosperous life.
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What is the Difference Between Burnout and Depression?
Burnout is different from depression, but some people refer to it interchangeably to describe feelings of exhaustion and emptiness.
Burnout, or burnout syndrome (BOS), is not a formal medical diagnosis as per the World Health Organization. It is recorded in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), as an occupational phenomenon. The root cause of burnout is the demands placed on individuals and the support or recognition available to them. It may be characterized by exhaustion and frustration with work. Individuals may find some relief with a reduced workload or a vacation.
Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health disorder as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It impacts every aspect of an individual’s life, including academics, occupation, emotions, social functions, and cognitive abilities. The core feeling in depression is the profound sense of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of pleasure. The symptoms are very persistent and don’t go away after rest or a vacation, similar to burnout.
Symptoms of Burnout and Depression
To accurately determine what you are facing, it is important to analyze how the symptoms differ in scope and duration.
Burnout Symptoms
The symptoms of burnout are limited to occupational and situational experiences. The symptoms may go away once you are no longer in that situation.
According to ICD-11, burnout has 3 symptom categories.
- Feeling of exhaustion
- Reduced professional efficacy
- Negative outlook and mental distance from your occupation
However, other symptoms have been recorded, which are not defined in the criteria, including
- Increased anxiety
- Inadequate sleep
- Muscle tension and headache
- Constant frustration
Depression Symptoms
The symptoms of depression include significant distress with physical and mental impairment. These symptoms are present each day, regardless of the circumstances. The core symptoms of DSM-5 include
- Depressive mode, usually encompassing sadness, emptiness, and despair
- Loss of interest in activities
- Insomnia or lack of sleep
- Loss of weight and appetite
- Extreme fatigue and loss of energy
- Recurrent suicidal ideation
- Difficulty in making decisions
Depression may also feature physical symptoms, such as headache, cramps, body pains, and digestive issues.
To receive a diagnosis of depression, at least five of the symptoms mentioned in DSM-5 have to be present for 2 weeks.
What Causes Burnout and Depression
Burnout in Mumbai is primarily rooted in the professional environment and can be classified into organizational and individual factors. The organizational factors may include workload imbalance, insufficient rewards, unfairness, and overall occupational stress. The individual factors include a need for strong control over things or the inability to switch away from work due to the work culture.
Depression is caused by diverse and often interlinked factors, which include:
- Differences in brain structure and function due to abnormal levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
- Hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate depression.
- Past trauma, work stress, or abuse.
- Medical conditions like diabetes co-occur and contribute to depression.
- Some prescription medications can have depressive side effects.
- Alcohol and drug addiction can increase the risk of depression and mental illnesses.
Treatment for Burnout and Depression
The treatment for burnout and depression has to be tailored for a specific diagnosis. Depression cannot be treated with a vacation, while treating burnout with antidepressants is not effective.
Burnout is not recognized as a medical condition, so it doesn’t have a clinical practice guideline. The general goals to manage burnout include:
- Setting new boundaries in your organization
- Ensure work demands are manageable
- Aim for a better work-life balance
- Improving coping skills through therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
- Engage in stress management and relaxation techniques
- Prioritize self-care and sleep
- Practice self-compassion
- Seek support from friends and family
- Leave the occupational situation, if possible, as a last resort
Depression is a medical condition and requires clinical intervention. The treatment of depression involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and supporting therapies. The aim is to reduce distressing symptoms as you identify and change unhealthy thinking behaviors and patterns.
Where to Find Support
Depression is a major mental health illness that usually goes unattended in cities like Mumbai. People with depression are best suited to find a mental health professional to provide the right support and treatment. However, if you are looking for dedicated support, then there is nothing better than a rehab center in Mumbai. These centers have experienced staff who provide support to clients during the recovery process.
Alpa Healing Center’s luxury rehabilitation center in Mumbai has some of the best psychiatrists and counsellors who follow the latest therapeutic and treatment modalities. The center has been a pioneer in serving people with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. Get in touch with our team to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, burnout can be a risk factor for depression. Burnout can lead to depression if it is not resolved at the early stages. However, it is possible to experience co-existing depression from unrelated occupational burnout.
Suicide ideation is not a core symptom of burnout. However, burnout may increase the likelihood of individuals thinking about death or self-harm.
No, burnout and depression have the same symptoms. However, burnout tends to revolve around work stressors, and depression affects every aspect of a person’s life.
