Am I Experiencing Depression


Healthcare professionals play an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of others. While this work can be deeply rewarding, it can also involve emotional demands, high workloads, shift work, exposure to trauma or loss, and balancing responsibilities at work and at home. These experiences, along with many other life factors, can influence your mental health. 

This tip sheet is designed to help you recognize changes in your mental well-being, reflect on how they may be affecting your work and personal life, and consider what support or strategies might be helpful. It is not intended to help you diagnose depression, but rather to encourage early awareness and help-seeking. 

What is depression? 

Depression is more than feeling stressed, emotionally drained, or having a difficult day at work. It is a common mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and function. While healthcare professionals often work under demanding conditions and may experience stress, emotional exhaustion, or low mood, depression goes beyond the ups and downs that can be common with a challenging job. 

Depression can affect your energy, motivation, concentration, relationships, and ability to manage responsibilities both at work and outside of work. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to more severe. With the right supports, many people recover or learn effective ways to manage their symptoms. 

Mental health can change over time 

Caring for your own mental health is an important part of providing safe, compassionate, and sustainable care to others. Everyone experiences changes in their mental health throughout life. Periods of stress, grief, or emotional exhaustion are common, particularly in healthcare. While these experiences often improve with time, rest, or support, they can sometimes persist and begin to interfere with daily life. 

You may notice changes in your mood, energy, concentration, decision-making, relationships, or your ability to provide the level of care you want to give. Recognizing these signs early can help you seek support and take steps to protect your well-being before they become more overwhelming. 

Burnout and depression are not the same 

Many healthcare professionals wonder whether what they’re experiencing is “just burnout”. Feeling burned out doesn’t necessarily mean you’re experiencing depression, and someone experiencing depression isn’t necessarily experiencing burnout. The two can occur separately or at the same time. If changes in your mood, interest, or ability to function persist or begin affecting your work or personal life, consider reaching out for support. 


Ask yourself… 

There is no single sign of depression. Instead, consider whether you’ve noticed several of these changes over the past couple of weeks or longer: 

  • I’m finding it harder to concentrate, make clinical decisions, or stay focused during my work.  
  • I’m feeling emotionally detached from patients, colleagues, or people I care about.  
  • I feel persistently exhausted in a way that doesn’t improve with time off or rest.  
  • I no longer find satisfaction or meaning in work or activities I usually enjoy.  
  • Small tasks feel overwhelming, both at work and at home.  
  • I feel persistently hopeless, guilty, or unusually self-critical.  
  • I’m withdrawing from coworkers, friends, family, or activities that usually help me recharge.  

You don’t need to experience all of these for your mental health to deserve attention. What matters most is whether these changes are affecting your daily life or making it difficult to do the things that matter to you.  


What might help right now? 

Healthcare professionals are often skilled at recognizing signs of distress in others but may find it harder to recognize them in themselves. You may feel pressure to “push through,” avoid burdening colleagues, or believe you should be able to manage on your own. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness or failure. Reaching out early is a proactive step toward protecting your well-being and your ability to continue providing safe, compassionate care. 

If you’ve noticed shifts in your mood, energy, or ability to cope with daily responsibilities, taking small steps early may help support your well-being. Different approaches work for different people, and it’s okay to try what feels most helpful for you. You might consider: 

  • Take regular breaks where possible.  
  • Prioritize sleep, movement, hydration, and regular meals.  
  • Stay connected with supportive colleagues, friends, or family.  
  • Maintain boundaries between work and personal time where possible.  
  • Continue activities that help you feel grounded or connected, even if they take more effort than usual.  
  • Be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay to not be okay.  

When to seek additional support 

If changes in your mood, interest, energy, or ability to function aren’t improving, or they’re beginning to affect your well-being, your work, or your personal life, professional support can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and identify strategies or treatments that may help. If you’re unsure where to start, consider talking with: 

  • Your primary care provider.  
  • A mental health professional.  
  • A trusted colleague, friend, or family member who can help you connect with support.  

When immediate help is needed 

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, or feel unable to cope, seek immediate support. 

  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you or someone else is in immediate danger.  

You don’t have to face a crisis alone. Support is available, whether you’re seeking help early or experiencing an immediate crisis. 

References 
  • Canadian Mental Health Association. (2024). Depression. Here to Help.  
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Depression.