What is the difference between stress, burnout and depression?

When you are stressed, you feel overwhelmed by personal and work commitments or problems. You feel like you can't cope anymore. You feel tired, agitated, chaotic, restless and emotional. You worry a lot and fear of failure plays tricks on you. The symptoms last from 3 weeks to 3 months. What can you do about it? See your doctor or contact a coach. Try to distance yourself from your sources of stress. Combine rest and relaxation with energising activities. See how you can learn to relax and put things into perspective.

Prolonged stress can lead to burnout. This stress can be caused by work and/or other structural obligations (e.g. informal care). What symptoms might you experience? The most common symptoms are exhaustion and emotional sensitivity. Difficulty thinking. You feel aversion or detachment towards your work and you feel gloomy about it. The worst symptoms can last for 3 to 8 months. Less severe symptoms can continue to be felt for a long time afterwards. What to do? Consult your doctor and discuss the best approach for you. Distance yourself from the sources of stress. As far as possible, alternate rest and relaxation with energising activities. Learn how to deal with your sources of stress as effectively as possible.

Depression is caused by a combination of heredity, physical imbalance, personal characteristics and life events. Medication and drug use can also play a role. You feel gloomy about life and unable to enjoy anything. The symptoms last longer than two weeks. You feel worthless and have trouble sleeping. Some people have thoughts of death or suicide. The symptoms last from 3 to 8 months, sometimes longer.

Do you recognise yourself in the symptoms of exhaustion or burnout? Then you can contact me at the bottom of the page.

Do you recognise yourself in the symptoms of depression? Contact your doctor or a clinical psychologist as soon as possible to find out what the best approach is for you.