Because what you’re feeling might not mean something is wrong with you, it might mean something is wrong with your environment.

It’s Not Just You

If you’ve been feeling drained, unmotivated, or numb lately, you might be wondering: Is this depression… or just burnout?

It’s a valid and common question. The symptoms often look alike: fatigue, detachment, brain fog, and a loss of joy.
But while depression is a mental health condition that can occur regardless of your situation, burnout is a stress response to prolonged overwhelm, imbalance, and misalignment in your life or work.

Burnout vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:

Burnout:
- Triggered by chronic workplace or caregiving stress.
- Tends to improve with rest, time away, or a change in environment.
- Emotional exhaustion, detachment from work, reduced performance.
- You may still feel joy in other areas of life.

Depression:
- Can happen with or without a specific trigger.
- Doesn’t usually improve with just time off.
- Pervasive sadness, hopelessness, low self-worth.
- Loss of interest in all areas of life, even things you used to love.

How to Know What You’re Dealing With

Ask yourself:
- Do I feel better when I step away from work or take a break?
- Am I still finding moments of joy outside of work?
- Are my stressors situational and specific, or does everything feel heavy?

You don’t have to diagnose yourself, but awareness helps you take the right next step, whether that’s setting boundaries, taking extended rest, or seeking support from a mental health professional.

What You Can Do About It

If you’re facing burnout:
-  Set boundaries—protect your time, energy, and focus.
-  Schedule true recovery—not just rest, but restoration.
-  Offload mental clutter—simplify where possible.
- Connect with supportive people.

If you suspect depression:
- Talk to a licensed professional—don’t wait.
- Prioritize small daily habits—movement, food, sunlight, sleep.
- Be kind to yourself—this isn’t a weakness.
- Track your symptoms—journaling helps you spot patterns.

You’re Not Weak. You’re Worn Out.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means your body and mind are asking for change.

At Life Force Wellness, we help individuals and teams identify burnout early and develop practical recovery strategies that align with their values, goals, and energy levels.

Want more support? Grab a copy of From Burdened to Balanced and learn how to renew your energy from the inside out.

Or connect with us at www.lifeforcewellness.com to explore coaching and corporate programs designed to fight burnout—before it leads to breakdown.