For Adults
Adult life has a way of getting complicated when you're not looking, and then suddenly very complicated all at once. These sheets cover some of the things that come up most often for the adults we see. They're not a substitute for talking to someone, but they're a reasonable place to start when you're trying to work out what's going on.
Understanding Adult Depression
Depression in adulthood rarely arrives all at once. It may begin with gradually withdrawing from activities that once felt enjoyable, feeling persistently exhausted despite adequate rest, or noticing that everyday life feels increasingly difficult to manage. Many adults are well into a depressive episode before recognising it for what it is.
Learning about depression can help make sense of experiences that may have felt confusing or difficult to explain. For some people, understanding what they are experiencing brings relief and hope. For others, it may simply be the first step towards seeking support.
Burnout vs Depression
Burnout and depression can feel very similar. Both can involve exhaustion, withdrawal, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, and a sense that you're no longer coping.
Although they share many symptoms, they are not the same experience. Many people experience features of both at the same time. Understanding the differences can help you identify what may be contributing to how you're feeling and what support is likely to help.
This guide is designed to help you understand the differences between burnout and depression, recognise common patterns, and know when it might be time to seek professional support.