phone 044 300 11 22

Burnout or depression? Why the distinction is so important

Burnout was first defined more precisely in the ICD-11 in 2022 and even this definition is controversial because it focuses solely on the professional context, while ‘burnout’ due to parenting or caring for relatives at home is not taken into account. Scientific work on burnout has therefore had and still has no standardised basis, in contrast to other illnesses such as depression. Nevertheless, differences can be identified between burnout and depression, which we will analyse in more detail below.
2 geteiltes Bild. Links sitzt eine Person auf die Hand gestützt vor einem Laptop, rechts liegt eine Person mit verweinten Augen auf einem Bett

Origin and focus:

Burnout

  • is, according to ICD-11, primarily a reaction to chronic stress and overload, typically in a professional context. It mainly affects attitudes to work and behavior in the workplace. In the care sector, however, we know that caring for relatives can also lead to stress and overload, even without being recognized as a profession. Care work is also work, which is why paid employment should not be seen as a prerequisite for burnout.

Depression

  • is a mental disorder that can be influenced by a chemical imbalance in the brain and affects broader aspects of life, not just work. Depression can occur regardless of external circumstances and affects mood, thinking, feelings and physical functioning.

Main characteristics:

Burnout

  • often leads to exhaustion, cynicism and a feeling of ineffectiveness, especially in relation to work. Motivation decreases, the person feels unable to cope with work pressure and performance decreases.

Depression

  • manifests itself in persistent sadness or dejection, loss of interest, withdrawal from social activities, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide. Depression manifests itself independently of certain situations, such as the professional working environment.

Treatment and approach:

Burnout

  • is often treated through changes in the work environment and stress management techniques. Measures to restore work-life balance and reduce work stress are key.

Depression

  • often requires more comprehensive treatment, including psychotherapy and often medication, especially if it is moderate to severe. Depending on the type of depression, taking time off work could even be counterproductive, as it is often crucial to stay active and maintain structure in everyday life.

Social perception and diagnosis:

Burnout

  • is often seen as a problem related to the world of work and in some cases can be considered less severe than depression, although it can have serious effects.

Depression

  • is recognized as a medical disorder and can carry a stronger stigma, but is also more established in terms of diagnosis and treatment options.

Why is it important to differentiate between burnout and depression?

In practice, the lines between burnout and depression can become blurred, making accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment important. Burnout from stress and overwork can be mistaken as the cause of related symptoms, masking depression as the actual cause.

If you are in acute need of help, the Swiss helpline is there for you around the clock:

Contact by phone: 143


As a private Spitex, we can support you with burnout and depression.