About this episode
📬 Get my burnout support letters in your inbox: Join the Therapist Burnout Pen-Pal List for monthly notes, voice memos, private podcast drops, and real-talk support from someone who’s been there. 👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEarlier this year, I thought I was burned out—again. I even joined a burnout group. But nothing shifted. Eventually, I had to face the truth: I wasn’t just burned out. I was depressed.In this episode, I’m unpacking why therapists often miss the signs of depression in themselves, how burnout gets misused as a catchall term, and why naming what’s really going on can change everything.What we cover:Burnout vs. depression — how to tell the differenceThe research behind burnout’s loose definition (142 of them!)Why therapist burnout often includes clinical grief, moral injury, and vicarious traumaWhat helped me through a depressive episode this yearThe nervous system toll of not stopping—and how I finally didHow language shapes the support we seekA reframe: what’s underneath “I’m just so burned out”?🔎 Key idea:“What we call burnout is often a layered experience—and getting granular about it can help you find your way out.”🛠 Resources mentioned:Rotenstein et al. (2018) meta-analysis on burnout definitionsGuille & Sen (2024) on burnout vs. depressionWorld Health Organization burnout definitionMy experience with postpartum and professional depressionClinical grief after losing clientsTherapist-specific supports: NAMI Warmline and others💡 Want more?Join the Pen-Pal ListFollow me on LinkedInWork with me – Coaching for Burned Out TherapistsYou are not meant to live in a constant state of depletion. If you’re carrying something heavy, this episode is for you.
