Advice Centre
Depression
HeadHealth Therapy Team
Jan 27, 2025
Understanding Depression and Burnout
Symptoms – Overlapping vs. Unique Signs
Both depression and burnout share common symptoms, such as fatigue, reduced motivation, and difficulty concentrating. However, key differences can help distinguish one condition from the other.
Symptoms of Both Conditions:
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or staying motivated
Emotional detachment and withdrawal from activities or people
Symptoms More Common in Depression:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness, even in positive situations
Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, and personal goals
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
Suicidal thoughts or feelings of worthlessness (NHS UK warns that depression often comes with negative thought patterns that persist over time)
Symptoms More Common in Burnout:
Emotional exhaustion, particularly related to work
Cynicism or detachment from job responsibilities
Feeling ineffective or unaccomplished, despite past success
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension (Health and Safety Executive UK notes that workplace stress often manifests physically)
Burnout is usually tied to external stressors, while depression is more deep-rooted and can persist even in the absence of stress.
Causes and Risk Factors
Depression can be influenced by several internal and external factors, including:
Genetics – A family history of depression increases the risk (Mental Health Foundation UK).
Brain chemistry imbalances – Low levels of serotonin and dopamine can contribute.
Major life events – Divorce, grief, job loss, or financial stress.
Chronic illness – Some medical conditions and medications can trigger depressive symptoms.
Burnout, on the other hand, is largely work-related and can be caused by:
Excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines
A lack of control over work responsibilities
High self-expectations and perfectionism
Poor work-life balance (Mind UK highlights that people who struggle to set boundaries are more likely to experience burnout)
If burnout is not addressed, it can evolve into depression. Early intervention is essential to prevent long-term mental health consequences.
Treatment and Support Options in the UK
The good news is that both depression and burnout are treatable, and seeking help early improves outcomes.
How to Recover from Burnout:
Identifying and reducing stressors – Adjusting workload and responsibilities.
Setting boundaries – Ensuring a balance between work and personal life.
Seeking workplace support – Talking to HR or management about workload concerns.
Practicing self-care – Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Burnout typically improves when external stressors are managed.
How to Treat Depression:
Talking therapies – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly effective (NHS UK).
Medication – Antidepressants may be prescribed in moderate to severe cases.
Lifestyle changes – Exercise, sleep hygiene, and diet improvements can help.
Social support – Engaging with friends, family, or support groups.
Unlike burnout, depression often requires professional intervention, as it does not simply improve by removing external stressors.
When to Seek Professional Help
If low mood, exhaustion, or detachment persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to reach out for support.
HeadHealth Therapy provides personalised therapist matching for individuals struggling with burnout, workplace stress, or clinical depression. With both online and in-person therapy options, clients can access qualified mental health professionals across the UK without long waitlists.
Signs That Professional Help May Be Needed:
You feel overwhelmed all the time, even after rest.
Your symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or daily life.
You experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Lifestyle changes have not improved your condition.
Burnout and depression may look similar, but recognising the difference is key to getting the right treatment.
Burnout is work-related and reversible—managing stress is crucial.
Depression is a clinical condition—it often requires therapy or medical intervention.
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing burnout or depression, speaking to a professional can provide clarity. HeadHealth Therapy offers expert counselling and therapy services in the UK, helping individuals regain balance and improve mental well-being.
NHS UK – Depression Overview: www.nhs.uk
Mind UK – Burnout and Work-Related Stress: www.mind.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation UK – Depression vs. Burnout: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Work-Related Stress and Mental Health: www.hse.gov.uk
HeadHealth Therapy – Professional Therapy Support for Burnout and Depression
Difference between depression and burnout
Depression vs. work-related stress
Burnout symptoms vs. depression symptoms
How to recover from burnout UK
Therapy for depression and burnout UK
