Understanding Depression and Burnout: How Alta Mira Supports Professionals on the Path to Healing

Alta Mira is known for providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Located in a peaceful, private setting just across from the Golden Gate Bridge, our programs are built on a holistic approach—treating the mind, body, and spirit together. We have a team of licensed professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists, who bring decades of experience to every client’s journey.

Our work is rooted in understanding—not judgment. We help individuals uncover the underlying causes of their struggles and build a personalized path toward recovery.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. It’s more than just feeling sad or having a rough day. Depression can make it hard to find joy in things you used to enjoy, to stay motivated, or even to get out of bed in the morning.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

• Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Changes in appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

Depression can affect anyone, no matter how successful or strong they seem. For professionals, it may be hidden behind a busy schedule or a polished appearance.

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by too much stress over a long period of time—often related to work. While it’s not a medical diagnosis on its own, burnout can seriously affect your health and quality of life.

Signs of burnout may include:

• Feeling tired all the time, even after rest

• Becoming easily frustrated or irritable

• Feeling detached or cynical about your job

• Struggling to focus or stay motivated

• Headaches, stomach issues, or frequent illness

Unlike depression, burnout is usually connected to specific sources of stress—often the workplace—but the two can overlap.

While depression and burnout can look similar, they’re not the same. Depression often affects every area of life and may not have a clear cause. Burnout tends to be related to external stress—like a job that demands too much with little support.

Here’s a simple way to tell the difference:

• Depression usually doesn’t go away on its own and often requires professional support.
• Burnout may improve when you take a break or change your environment.

In some cases, burnout can lead to depression if left unaddressed.

Both depression and burnout can have many causes. For depression, these might include:

• Genetics or family history

• Brain chemistry and hormone imbalances

• Trauma or major life changes

• Long-term stress or illness

Burnout is often caused by:

• Long hours and unrealistic expectations at work

• Lack of control over your schedule or responsibilities

• Feeling undervalued or unsupported

• Trying to “do it all” without help

Professionals in high-stress roles—like doctors, lawyers, executives, and caregivers—are especially at risk.

The good news is, help is available—and effective. Treatment options may include:

• Therapy: Speaking with a therapist or psychiatrist can help you understand your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.

• Medication: For some, antidepressants or other medications may help manage symptoms.

• Residential Treatment: Programs like Alta Mira offer a safe space to focus on healing without daily stressors.

• Holistic Therapies: Guided meditation, yoga, equine-assisted therapy, and exercise can support mental wellness.

Getting support early can make a big difference in your recovery.

If you think you might be facing depression or burnout, the first step is to talk to someone. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out to a loved one for support or sharing your feelings with a primary care provider can all be critical first steps for accessing care.

Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

When people are struggling emotionally, they may turn to substances as a way to cope. Alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances can seem like a temporary escape—but often make things worse over time. This pattern can lead to dependence and addiction, especially when mental health issues are not addressed.

At Alta Mira, we understand the deep connection between mental health and substance use. Our integrated approach treats co-occurring mental health conditions and addiction, so healing can begin at the root.