If you live or work in Lexington, South Carolina, you’re not alone if you’ve wondered whether you’re facing depression, burnout, or some overlap of both. The experiences can look similar from the outside—low energy, disrupted sleep, trouble focusing—but they call for different next steps. This guide explains how clinicians distinguish depression from job-related burnout, how the two can coexist, and how to get effective help locally with depression therapy in Lexington.
Quick Definitions: What Each Term Means
Depression (major depressive disorder and related conditions) is a diagnosable medical condition defined by persistent low mood and/or loss of interest, along with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes thoughts of death. It impacts life far beyond the workplace and is treatable with therapy, skills, and, when appropriate, medication. See the NIMH depression overview for the full picture.
Burnout is an occupational phenomenon, not a medical diagnosis, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from work, and reduced professional efficacy after chronic, unmanaged workplace stress. The World Health Organization includes burn-out in the ICD-11 under factors influencing health status. Read WHO’s definition: burn-out in ICD-11.
How Depression and Burnout Overlap
Both can involve fatigue, poor sleep, low motivation, and difficulty concentrating. When you’re stressed at work and also struggling outside of work—relationships, hobbies, personal care—symptoms can compound. That’s why a clear assessment matters.
Key Differences Clinicians Look For
Where symptoms show up. Burnout is tied to the work context and often eases when you’re away from job demands; depression follows you into nonwork settings and can blunt joy across life.
Emotional tone. Burnout commonly feels like exhaustion and detachment about work. Depression often brings sadness, loss of interest, guilt, and a global sense of hopelessness.
Duration and scope. Burnout develops after chronic job stress. Depression can arise with or without obvious external stressors and may involve changes in appetite, sleep, psychomotor activity, or self-worth.
Self-Checks You Can Use (Not A Diagnosis)
Depression screen (PHQ-9). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a brief, widely used screen you can review before talking with a clinician. Download a copy: PHQ-9 sample questionnaire (AHRQ). If any item raises concern, especially thoughts of self-harm, reach out immediately for support (see crisis resources below).
Burnout screen (CBI). The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory is an open-source tool assessing personal, work-related, and client-related exhaustion. See the official English scales from Denmark’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment: CBI (English scales, NFA). Use results as a starting point for a deeper discussion with a counselor or primary care provider.
When Work Stress Becomes A Health Concern
Chronic workplace stress can affect physical and mental health, even if you don’t meet criteria for a depressive disorder. Federal workplace health agencies note that job stress and burnout raise risks for anxiety and depression and reduce well-being and performance. If your symptoms persist despite time off, boundary setting, or workload changes, a clinical evaluation is wise.
What Helps: Evidence-Based Care In Lexington
At Crossroads Counseling Center, our licensed team provides depression counseling in Lexington and secure telehealth across South Carolina. We draw from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy–informed skills, and mindfulness. We tailor care to your goals and help you build a practical plan that fits real life.
If It’s Mostly Burnout
We’ll help you map work stressors, clarify values, set boundaries, and practice skills for energy management, sleep, and focus. We can also collaborate with your primary care clinician or HR to support reasonable adjustments.
If It’s Depression
We focus on restoring momentum with small, doable steps—activity scheduling, thought and behavior change, and problem-solving—while coordinating with your prescriber if you’re considering medication. If trauma, anxiety, or grief also play a role, we address those together.
How To Tell What You Need Right Now
Ask where your energy returns. If stepping away from work restores motivation and enjoyment elsewhere, burnout is likely part of the picture. If joy stays flat across activities (even ones you usually love), screen for depression.
Track sleep and appetite. Significant changes—sleeping far more or far less, appetite swings—are common with depression and less about the work setting.
Notice self-talk. Burnout often sounds like “I’m drained and cynical about this job.” Depression often sounds like “I’m a failure; nothing will help.” That difference matters, and therapy can shift both.
Local Options: Getting Help In Lexington
Start with us. If you’re ready to talk, visit Contact Crossroads Counseling or call the number on our site to request an appointment. We offer in-person sessions at our Lexington office and telehealth across South Carolina. If you’d like to browse first, explore what we treat and who we are.
Community resources. If you prefer a public option or need additional support, the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center (part of SCDMH) provides outpatient behavioral health services.
In a crisis. If you or someone you love might be at risk of self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 support, or dial 911 for emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can burnout turn into depression? Yes. Chronic stress can contribute to depression for some people. Addressing workload, support, and recovery time and treating depressive symptoms early helps prevent escalation.
Should I take leave? If symptoms seriously impair daily functioning, talk with your clinician. Employers may offer short-term accommodations; some people benefit from brief leave while starting care.
What if it’s “just stress”? Whether it’s stress, burnout, depression, or a mix, therapy gives you tools and support. You don’t have to wait until things are “bad enough.”
What Working Together Looks Like
First visit. We listen first. We’ll clarify what you’re experiencing at work and outside of work, review relevant history and screens (like PHQ-9), and co-create a plan that fits your schedule and energy level.
Between sessions. You’ll leave with simple practices—sleep and energy routines, boundary scripts, thought balancing, and values-aligned actions—so progress begins right away.
Follow-through. We measure what matters (mood, energy, and functioning), adjust as needed, and help you sustain changes long after symptoms lift.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
If you’re unsure whether you’re facing depression, burnout, or both, we’ll help you sort it out. Start by contacting our Lexington office, learn more about depression therapy, or explore our team and services. You can meet in person in Lexington or via secure telehealth anywhere in South Carolina.
This article is informational and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises, call or text 988.