Burnout and depression can look similar — exhaustion, loss of motivation, trouble focusing — but they aren’t the same. Burnout usually comes from prolonged stress at work or in caregiving roles. Depression runs deeper, affecting mood, energy, and interest in life beyond a specific trigger.
The key difference: Burnout improves when you step away from the source of stress, but depression often lingers even after a break. If you’re unsure which you’re experiencing, talk with a mental-health professional who can help you untangle both.
