Q How can I tell burnout apart from depression? Are there warning signs that mean I should see a doctor urgently?
A If you have persistent deep depression, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or insomnia so severe that daily life becomes impossible, this may be beyond burnout, and urgent psychiatric care is needed. In that case, professional evaluation should come before Korean medicine care.
Detailed Answer
Burnout and depression overlap, so distinguishing between them matters. If exhaustion has progressed to persistent deep depression lasting more than a few days, thoughts of death or self-harm, life-disrupting insomnia, or unexplained chronic pain, immediate evaluation by a psychiatrist is needed. These are warning signs that should never be delayed.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang, we also screen for these warning signs first at the initial visit. If severe depression or suicidal ideation is suspected, we recommend psychiatric care first as a principle, and once the patient is stabilized, Korean medicine treatment to support the body's recovery can be added alongside it. Safety always comes first.
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