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Feeling Drained? It Might Be More Than Just Burnout.
You tell yourself you’re just exhausted. You need a break, a good night’s sleep, maybe a holiday…
…But no matter how much rest you get… you still feel stuck, unmotivated, and emotionally drained.
Work feels overwhelming.
You’re constantly exhausted—even after sleeping.
Things that once brought joy now feel like a chore.
So, is it burnout? Or something deeper – like depression?
The truth is, burnout and depression often overlap; and if you’re feeling stuck, understanding the difference (and knowing what to do next) is the first step forward.
Burnout vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?
Burnout and depression can feel eerily similar, but there are key differences.
Burnout:
Caused by chronic stress (usually from work, caregiving, or ongoing pressure).
Leads to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling ineffective.
Often improves with rest, time off, or reduced stress.
Depression:
Can be triggered by stress but often runs deeper (linked to biology, trauma, or prolonged distress).
Affects energy, mood, self-worth, and daily life.
Doesn’t necessarily improve with rest alone – requires deeper support.
Key distinction? Burnout is mostly situational – removing the stressor can help. Depression lingers, affecting all areas of life.
But what happens when burnout turns into depression?
When Burnout Becomes Something More
At first, burnout feels like too much. Too much stress, too many responsibilities, too many expectations.
But over time, it shifts from too much… to nothing.
Nothing feels enjoyable anymore.
Nothing excites you.
Nothing seems worth the effort.
If burnout isn’t addressed, it can spiral into depression – where exhaustion turns into hopelessness. And this is where deeper support becomes essential.
Signs You Might Be Dealing with Depression (Not Just Burnout)
You feel exhausted all the time—not just after work, but even after resting.
You’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed.
Your mood is persistently low, numb, or empty.
You feel like you’re failing – at work, in relationships, in life.
You struggle to get out of bed or complete basic tasks.
Even small things feel overwhelming.
You’ve thought, “What’s the point of anything?” more than once.
If any of these resonate, you’re not alone; and more importantly – you don’t have to stay stuck.
How to Recover from Burnout & Depression
Take Burnout Seriously
Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a red flag. Ignoring it only makes things worse.
If possible, reduce stressors—set boundaries at work, delegate tasks, and schedule downtime.
Prioritize rest—but not just sleep. Active recovery (e.g., time outdoors, connection with loved ones, creative hobbies) is key.
Assess your workload. Is your exhaustion coming from unrealistic expectations?
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a signal that something needs to change.
If Rest Doesn’t Help, Seek Support
A crucial difference between burnout and depression? Burnout improves with rest. Depression doesn’t.
If you’ve taken a break and still feel:
Constantly exhausted
Emotionally numb
Unmotivated and disconnected from life…
It may be time to talk to a professional. Counselling can help unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Rebuild Small Wins
When motivation is gone, everything feels too big. The solution? Start small.
Break tasks down. Instead of “get healthy,” start with “drink a glass of water.”
Move your body gently. A short walk is better than no movement at all.
Do something enjoyable—even if you don’t “feel like it.” Read one page of a book. Listen to music. Sit outside for 5 minutes.
Small actions remind your brain that life is still happening.
Talk About It (Even When You Don’t Want To)
Depression thrives in isolation, but you don’t have to go through this alone.
Tell someone you trust. Even a simple “I’ve been feeling really off lately” can be a step forward.
Consider professional help. Counselling provides tools to navigate burnout, depression, and everything in between.
Know that healing isn’t linear. Some days will be better than others. Progress happens in small steps.
You don’t have to “fix” yourself alone. Help is available.
Feeling Stuck? Here’s Your Next Step.
If burnout has left you drained – or if you suspect depression is creeping in – you deserve support.
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about how I can help, because you don’t have to navigate this alone. You can feel like yourself again, and you don’t have to wait until you’re at rock bottom to start.
