OBJECTIVE: Identifying overlaps with and differences to the clinical picture of depression as reflected in media coverage of burnout. METHODS: Qualitative content analysis of three national daily newspapers from the years 2016 and 2017. RESULTS: Depictions of burnout symptoms are often related to the leading symptoms of depression. Differences become visible in the underlying causes and therapeutic measures described. Burnout is rarely depicted in the context of professional treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION: In coverage, the phenomenon of burnout seems more approachable than depression due to its work-relatedness, the figurative quality of the term, and numerous disclosures by affected celebrities. We discuss that the destigmatizing potential of the term burnout may come at the expense of people with severe depression, and people outside the working context. Additionally, lower recommendation of professional treatment for burnout may delay help-seeking. Thieme. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: Identifying overlaps with and differences to the clinical picture of depression as reflected in media coverage of burnout. METHODS: Qualitative content analysis of three national daily newspapers from the years 2016 and 2017. RESULTS: Depictions of burnout symptoms are often related to the leading symptoms of depression. Differences become visible in the underlying causes and therapeutic measures described. Burnout is rarely depicted in the context of professional treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION: In coverage, the phenomenon of burnout seems more approachable than depression due to its work-relatedness, the figurative quality of the term, and numerous disclosures by affected celebrities. We discuss that the destigmatizing potential of the term burnout may come at the expense of people with severe depression, and people outside the working context. Additionally, lower recommendation of professional treatment for burnout may delay help-seeking. Thieme. All rights reserved.