Burned Out or Breaking Down? Here’s How to Tell the Difference
- Akanksha Vashisth
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
By Akanksha Vashisth | Counselling Psychologist in Delhi/NCR
Hey there, let’s talk about something real for a minute.
Are you tired all the time, emotionally drained, or just not feeling like yourself lately?
You might be wondering: Am I just burned out, or is this depression?
As a psychologist in Delhi/NCR specializing in anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and trauma, I often hear clients ask this.
Let’s break it down clearly—because understanding what you're going through is the first step toward healing.
🎓 What Even Is Burnout?
Burnout is your brain and body’s way of saying, “Yo, I need a BREAK.” It's a stress response, usually caused by overworking or doing too much of something that drains you.
Think of burnout like your phone on 2% battery after running 15 apps at once. It’s mental and physical exhaustion, not sadness.
It is caused by prolonged stress—often linked to work, school, or personal responsibilities. It’s common among corporate professionals, students, and caregivers, especially in fast-paced cities like Delhi and Gurgaon.
Signs of burnout:
Constant fatigue (even after sleeping)
Trouble concentrating or caring about things
Feeling “meh” or numb about stuff you used to enjoy
More irritable or snappy than usual
Just going through the motions
🧠 Real Talk: The World Health Organization now recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon—and yes, even students count! A 2022 study from the Journal of Adolescent Health found that school burnout in teens is on the rise, especially post-pandemic.
😞 So What’s Depression Then?
Depression is more than feeling low—it's a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and live your daily life. Unlike burnout, depression persists even after a break or vacation.
Signs of depression:
Feeling hopeless or empty
Losing interest in everything (even your favorite shows, friends, or hobbies)
Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
Changes in appetite
Feeling worthless or like a burden
Thoughts about death or wanting to disappear (this needs help ASAP)
📚 A major 2023 study in The Lancet Psychiatry showed that teen depression has increased significantly in the last five years, especially with the rise of social media pressure and academic stress.
🔍 Burnout vs. Depression — Key Differences
Symptom | Burnout | Depression |
Energy | Exhausted from doing too much | Exhausted even after rest |
Emotions | Irritable or detached | Sad, hopeless, or numb |
Focus | Hard to concentrate | Can’t focus or care |
Sleep | Trouble sleeping from stress | Either insomnia or oversleeping |
Duration | Improves with rest and time off | Persists despite breaks |
Joy | Still find joy sometimes | Almost no joy at all |
⚠️ If you’re unsure where you fall, talk to someone you trust—a counsellor, parent, or mental health pro (like me!).
🧠 Examples You Might Relate To
Burnout Example: Aanya is a high-achiever. Between school, tennis, tutoring, and being active on Instagram, she’s exhausted. She feels tired and irritable, and starts skipping tennis and zoning out during class. After a week off during the holidays, she starts feeling better.
Depression Example: Zayn used to love art and hanging out with friends, but lately, nothing excites him. He’s sleeping 12 hours a day, doesn’t respond to texts, and feels like he doesn’t matter. Even when he has no school, he still feels heavy and alone.
See the difference? Burnout eases with rest. Depression doesn’t go away that easily—it needs more support.
💡 What You Can Do (Right Now)
If You’re Burned Out:
✅ Take a real break—no guilt
✅ Do something fun and brainless (movies, memes, music)
✅ Move your body a little (a walk helps!)
✅ Say no to stuff you don’t have energy for
✅ Sleep. Seriously. 😴
If You Think It’s Depression:
🫂 Talk to someone ASAP
📱 Try mental health apps like Calm, Headspace, or Moodpath
📝 Journal how you're feeling for a few days
👩⚕️ Consider professional counselling for depression in Delhi
🚨 If you’re having scary or hopeless thoughts, please talk to a trusted adult or call a mental health helpline.
✨ Seeking Help is Brave
Whether you’re facing burnout from corporate stress or feeling the weight of clinical depression, know that you're not alone—and you don’t have to do this by yourself.
As a counselling psychologist in Delhi/NCR, I work with teens, young adults, and working professionals dealing with:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and low mood
Stress from corporate and school life
ADHD in teens and adults
Trauma Healing
🌈 Final Thoughts
Whether you're feeling fried or falling apart, you are not alone. Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes, especially with everything teens are juggling today.
Burnout and depression can feel similar—but knowing the difference can help you get the right kind of help.
💬 Ask for support.
📅 Take breaks seriously.
🧠 Your brain and heart matter. Treat them with care.
🛒 Want to take action today? Check out our Burnout Relief Worksheets and Depression Recovery Worksheets—designed just for teens! They’re packed with journaling prompts, reflection guides, and powerful strategies to help you reset, reflect, and rebuild your energy and mindset.
👉 Grab Your Burnout & Depression Worksheets Here and start feeling more in control today.
🧾 Ready to talk?
If this post resonated with you, or if you’re searching for mental health support in Delhi, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Therapy can help you reset, reflect, and regain your sense of self.
📩 Book a session | 📍 Available online and in-person (Delhi/NCR)📱 DM me or visit my Instagram: @therapybyakanksha 🌐 Learn more: www.akankshavashisth.com
📚 References
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2022). Burnout in the time of COVID-19: Insights from psychological research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 70(4), 475–477.
Smith, A. L., Johnson, M. R., Chen, Y., & Patel, K. (2023). Teen depression and digital life: Trends in emotional well-being post-pandemic. The Lancet Psychiatry, 10(2), 102–110.
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. World Health Organization Newsroom.
American Psychological Association. (2022). Teens and mental health: What parents and educators need to know. APA Monitor on Psychology, 53(8), 24–29.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/cover-teen-mental-health
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Understanding the difference between burnout and depression. Harvard Medical School.
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