In today's world of post-pandemic challenges and digital disruption, the term "job burnout" seems to be everywhere. It’s something we hear about almost every day. You can ask anyone at the office or even among your friends, and they likely know what job burnout is. But when you dig deeper, most people struggle to explain it.
There’s a difference between knowing about something and truly understanding it. For example, knowing about depression is not the same as truly understanding it. Understanding comes from deep involvement and personal experience.
I’ve written a book on depression, which is based on my own terrifying journey with severe clinical depression. I endured it for nearly two years without even knowing what was happening until I collapsed at home. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find a doctor who understood my condition and treated me accordingly.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to many people—educated, uneducated, traditional, and spiritual—and no one has been able to explain to me what depression truly is. Sadly, many equate depression with sadness, which is not only wrong, but also dangerous.
So, what exactly is job burnout?
According to research from the Mayo Clinic, job burnout is a form of work-related stress. It involves being physically and emotionally drained, feeling powerless, useless, and empty. However, it’s not classified as a medical diagnosis. Burnout is often connected to the work environment, co-workers, and bosses.
What is Depression?
In contrast, depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in almost all areas of life. Unlike burnout, depression is a medical illness. It impacts every aspect of a person’s life, leaving them feeling empty, hopeless, and helpless. Symptoms often include incessant rumination, extreme self-loathing, constant crying, and an inability to find joy in anything, even things that once brought happiness. This is called anhedonia.
Can Job Burnout Lead to Depression?
While the symptoms of job burnout can resemble those of depression, they are not the same. Burnout typically involves three main symptoms: a lack of motivation, no joy in your work, and feelings of incompetence.
Job burnout often results from high stress levels, and it’s well-known that chronic stress can eventually lead to depression. So, yes, if job burnout is left unaddressed, it is possible—indeed likely—that it could lead to depression.
Unfortunately, many organizations are not addressing job burnout in an open or meaningful way. Burnout can stem from poor systems, ineffective management, negative corporate cultures, unrealistic deadlines, and the inability to say "no" at work.
People within the organization—co-workers, managers, and leadership—play a critical role in both creating and preventing burnout. Unfortunately, empathy is often in short supply. While many leaders claim to value empathy, the reality is that it’s rarely practiced at the ground level.
Pressure at work is inevitable, but when that pressure is compounded by a lack of support, bullying, and demanding bosses, it can quickly lead to extreme stress. And unchecked, stress can elevate cortisol levels, negatively impacting both mental and physical health.
Are You Heading Toward Job Burnout?
With today’s increasing expectations and the blurred boundaries between work and life (especially with the rise of remote work), it’s easy to lose balance. Here are some questions to help you assess if you’re headed toward burnout:
1. Are you having more bad days than good days at work?
2. Do you often experience physical pain, such as back, head, or stomach aches?
3. Do you feel drained after work and lose interest in fun activities?
4. Do you struggle to sleep and dread going to work each day?
These are just a few important questions to consider. If you’re experiencing these signs, it’s crucial to address them before they spiral further.
The Difference Between Burnout and Depression
While burnout primarily affects your job, depression impacts every part of your life. If addressed quickly, burnout may not lead to depression. However, if it’s allowed to fester—if you don’t speak up or seek support—depression can easily take hold.
What Can You Do?
Job burnout is real, and it’s recognized by experts like the Mayo Clinic. So why are we allowing it to grow unchecked in so many organizations, with overwhelming workloads, toxic systems, and harmful work cultures?
The first step is to take action. Your health should always be your top priority. Don’t wait for someone else to step in—speak up and share your concerns with the right people at work. Never allow yourself to be bullied or disrespected.
It’s time to take charge. If you don’t address job burnout, it can destroy your joy at work and in life. And if left unchecked, burnout can evolve into a state of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness—the hallmarks of depression.
Remember: You have the power to make a change. Prioritize your well-being and speak up. Your health and happiness matter most.
