Depression or Burnout? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Do you ever wonder if you’re just burned out — or if what you’re experiencing is actually depression? Psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold, an expert on physician burnout and mental health, helps us understand the critical differences between the two and why it matters.

In this episode, Dr. Gold explains how burnout and depression overlap, how to recognize the warning signs of each, and the risks if burnout is left unaddressed. She also shares her personal journey of realizing she was burned out during the pandemic, even as a mental health professional, and what helped her recover.

Whether you’re struggling with workplace stress, emotional exhaustion, or clinical depression, this conversation offers clarity and actionable tools for healing.

Links to articles referenced in episode: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2021/03/04/physician-burnout-covid-19-pandemic-jessi-gold

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Primary Topics Covered

• What “languishing” means and how it fits between burnout and depression
• Dr. Jessi Gold’s personal experience with burnout during the pandemic
• The key differences between burnout and depression
• How burnout can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts
• Why self-compassion and rest are essential to recovery
• Practical coping strategies, including “chunking” overwhelming tasks
• How to listen to your body and set boundaries to protect your mental health

Timestamps

00:01 – Introduction: languishing, burnout, and depression
 02:30 – Dr. Jessi Gold shares her personal burnout story
 05:15 – Even mental health experts miss burnout warning signs
 07:20 – Burnout as a workplace issue vs. depression as a medical condition
 08:45 – Key symptoms of depression vs. burnout
 11:00 – The impact of burnout and depression on relationships
 12:45 – Giving yourself patience and grace during recovery
 13:40 – Listening to your body and recognizing limits
 14:30 – Why coping skills must be tailored to each person
 16:00 – Self-care as rest, not another task on your to-do list
 18:20 – Closing thoughts and resources

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