By Chantay Stanley, LCSWA

Depression involves low moods, loss of pleasure and energy, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. There is more than one cause of depression including the brain being unable to regulate an individual’s mood, genetics, and stress. However, an individual will not always be able to understand the cause of their depression. Depression has extensive side effects including changing how an individual thinks and causing serious health issues if left untreated.

Facts about depression:

• Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in individuals between the ages of 15 and 44

• Approximately 50% of the individuals diagnosed with depression have also been diagnosed with anxiety

• Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression

Burnout usually occurs because we are taking on more tasks than we can handle. There may be those extra clients that were placed on our caseloads or the constant going and going throughout the workday without taking a break. Two out of three individuals that work full time have experienced burnout. Approximately 36% of those individuals reported that their employer had no services in place to assist with or prevent burnout. Burnout can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

To manage burnout while depressed:

• Plan time for self-care

• Take leave from work

• Take care of your body

• Seek support

• Break down those large tasks into smaller tasks and make a plan to complete the smaller tasks therefore you can focus on the smaller tasks instead of the project as a whole.

• Set boundaries

• Discuss your goals and plan with your supervisor

• Decrease your workload

• Find the source of your burnout and make changes in that area

Burnout and depression are not the end of your life or career. Seek support from your therapist if you need to process burnout and depression.