Difference: Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, & Bipolar |

Welcome back to TeenThreads, where we don’t gatekeep mental health info.

If you read our piece on Anxiety, the feeling that your brain is constantly running a marathon away from a bear that doesn’t exist, you know how exhausting it is. But what happens when you run that marathon for too long? You crash. Hard. That crash is often where Depression enters the chat.

This edition is for teens and adults in your life – the parents and teachers who want to help but don’t know the difference between you being “a moody teen” and you being in a mental health crisis.

The “Permanent Low Battery” Edition

Tagline: When the anxiety spiral crashes into the “Big Sad”—a guide for teens and the adults who are trying to get their main character energy back.

1. The Remix: When Anxiety Meets Depression

Let’s be real: if you’ve been dealing with an Anxiety Disorder—constantly overthinking, panicking about grades, or stressing over social stuff—your brain is tired. Like, ran-three-Ironman-triathlons tired.

When your brain’s “fight-or-flight” system finally burns out from overuse, it often flips into “shutdown mode.” This is why so many teens with anxiety end up diagnosed with depression too. It’s the world’s worst collab.

The Vibe Shift: Anxiety is screaming, “Everything is about to go wrong!” Depression is whispering, “Everything already went wrong, and it doesn’t matter anyway.”

2. VIBE CHECK: Is it Burnout or is it Depression?

You asked for it, so we made it. It’s super easy to confuse being totally burnt out from school/life with clinical depression. They feel similar, but the fix is different.

Here is the official TeenThreads breakdown:

THE INFOGRAPHIC TEXT: Burnout vs. Depression

THE BURNOUT VIBE

The Cause: Usually triggered by too much—too much homework, too many AP classes, too much drama. Your battery is drained from overuse.
The Feeling: Exhausted, cynical, overwhelmed, and resentful of your tasks.
The Fix: A genuine break. A weekend of doing literally nothing, sleeping, and disconnecting usually helps you reset.
The Interest Level: You still want to do things you love (like gaming or art), you just don’t have the energy right now.

THE DEPRESSION VIBE

The Cause: Often biological, neurochemical, or trauma-based. It doesn’t need a specific trigger; it just is.
The Feeling: Empty, numb, hopeless, or full of self-loathing. It’s not just tired; it’s a deep bone-weariness.
The Fix: A break doesn’t fix it. You wake up from a 12-hour sleep still feeling heavy. Requires professional support (therapy/meds).
The Interest Level: Anhedonia hits. The things you used to absolutely love now feel like staring at a blank wall. You don’t want to do anything.

3. The “Chronic” Era: When It Won’t Go Away

We aren’t talking about having a bad week because you failed a chem test. We’re talking about Chronic Depression (like Dysthymia or Major Depressive Disorder). This is when the “low battery” icon is your permanent status for months or years.

It ruins your academic comeback because of Executive Dysfunction—you physically cannot make yourself start the essay. It ruins your social life because masking the sadness is too exhausting, so you just ghost everyone.

4. THE RESCUE SQUAD: A Guide for Parents & Teachers

Okay, adults, listen up. This part is for you. If the teen in your life is in their “chronic depression era,” standard parenting/teaching advice won’t work. They aren’t being lazy or defiant; their brain chemistry is sabotaging them.

Here is how to actually help when the depression is sticking around long-term.

For Parents: The Long Game

When depression is chronic, you have to shift from “fixing it quickly” to “managing it together.”

Stop the “Just Do It” Talk: Telling a depressed teen to “just clean your room” is like telling someone with a broken leg to “just walk.” They can’t.
Scaffolding (The Co-Op Mode): Their executive function is broken. They need you to act as their external brain. Don’t do it for them, do it with them.
- Instead of: “Go do your homework.”
- Try: “Hey, let’s sit at the table together. You just open the book to the right page, that’s step one. I’ll sit right here while you do it.”
Focus on BASICS, not grades: When they are deep in it, forget the GPA. Are they sleeping? Are they eating something other than Hot Cheetos? Are they showering? Celebrate the tiny wins. “I’m really proud of you for getting out of bed today” can mean the world.
Be the “Container”: Your kid is feeling intense, scary things. They need you to be calm and steady. If you freak out about their depression, they will hide it to protect you.

For Teachers: Grace Over Grades

A student with chronic depression looks like the student who doesn’t care. They care, they just can’t function.

The “Invisible Disability” Mindset: Treat chronic depression like you would a physical illness that flares up. They need accommodations, not lectures on responsibility.
Flexible Deadlines are Key: The pressure of a hard deadline can trigger the anxiety-depression spiral, causing them to freeze and do nothing. “Soft deadlines” or offering partial credit for late work can save them.
The “Low-Stim” Option: Sometimes the classroom is too loud, too bright, and too much. Allow a standing agreement where they can use noise-canceling headphones during independent work, or have a “no questions asked” pass to the nurse or counselor if they are about to crash.
Look for the “Fade Out”: The quiet kid who stops turning work in is in more danger than the loud disruptive kid. Send a gentle email: “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem down lately. I’m not worried about the grades right now, I’m worried about you. How can I make this week easier?”

5. The Final Vibe: You Aren’t Broken

If you’re reading this and feeling seen, just know that being depressed doesn’t mean you’re a flop. Your brain is just going through a really glitchy patch. It’s treatable, and you won’t feel this way forever.

Sometimes you need backup to defeat the boss level. Here is where to find it.

The Resource Drop – Save These Links!

In Crisis? Start Here (24/7 & Free):
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 immediately.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741.
Information & Screening Tools:
- Mental Health America (MHA): Take a free, private online screening test to see if your vibes are actually symptoms. Take a Screen
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health): The science-backed facts on teen depression. NIMH Teen Depression Info
Finding Support & Community:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): They have amazing resources specifically for teens and young adults to find support groups and learn how to talk to parents. NAMI Teens & Young Adults
- Child Mind Institute: Great articles for parents on how to handle the day-to-day struggles. Child Mind Institute Mood Disorders

Here are 40 multiple-choice questions designed to test and reinforce your knowledge of anxiety, depression, burnout, and bipolar disorder, based on the medical and educational resources we’ve discussed.

Part 1: Anxiety Disorders

1. Which part of the brain is often referred to as the “fear center” and is overactive in many anxiety disorders?

A. Prefrontal Cortex

B. Amygdala

C. Cerebellum

D. Medulla

2. What is the primary difference between “normal stress” and an “Anxiety Disorder”?

A. Stress is always physical, while anxiety is only mental.

B. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear that interferes with daily functioning.

C. Stress only happens to adults, while anxiety only happens to teens.

D. There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.

3. Which condition is characterized by sudden, intense waves of fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath?

A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

B. Social Anxiety Disorder

C. Panic Disorder

D. Specific Phobia

4. A student who knows the material but “freezes” or blanks out during an exam is likely experiencing:

A. Separation Anxiety

B. Test Anxiety

C. Selective Mutism

D. Burnout

5. What is “Selective Mutism”?

A. A refusal to speak to anyone at any time.

B. An inability to speak in specific social settings (like school) due to intense anxiety.

C. A physical voice box injury.

D. A choice to stop talking to parents.

6. Which therapy is considered the “gold standard” for treating anxiety by helping patients replace unhelpful thoughts with realistic ones?

A. Physical Therapy

B. Massage Therapy

C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

D. Occupational Therapy

7. “Social Anxiety Disorder” is primarily a fear of:

A. Being in crowded elevators.

B. Being away from a primary caregiver.

C. Being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations.

D. Germs and contamination.

8. Which of the following is a common physical symptom of anxiety?

A. Slowed heart rate

B. Increased appetite

C. Muscle tension and stomachaches

D. Improved focus

9. In the “Car Analogy” for anxiety, having an anxiety disorder is like:

A. Having no engine.

B. Having your foot stuck on the gas pedal even at a red light.

C. Driving with no headlights.

D. Having a flat tire.

10. What is “Exposure Therapy”?

A. Exposing a person to sunlight to improve mood.

B. Gradually and safely facing fears to reduce avoidance.

C. Telling everyone your secrets to reduce shame.

D. Watching documentaries about fear.

Part 2: Depression

11. To be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), symptoms must generally last at least:

A. Two days

B. Two weeks

C. Two months

D. Two years

12. What is the term for the loss of interest or pleasure in activities one used to enjoy?

A. Insomnia

B. Anhedonia

C. Euphoria

D. Dysphoria

13. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly targeted by antidepressant medications like SSRIs?

A. Adrenaline

B. Melatonin

C. Serotonin

D. Insulin

14. Depression in teens often manifests not as sadness, but as:

A. Extreme energy

B. Irritability or “saltiness”

C. Perfectionism

D. Increased social activity

15. What is “Dysthymia” (Persistent Depressive Disorder)?

A. A severe but short-lived depression.

B. A chronic, low-level depressed mood lasting for at least two years (or one year in teens).

C. Depression caused by winter weather.

D. A type of bipolar disorder.

16. “Executive Dysfunction” in depressed students often looks like:

A. Being the leader of a club.

B. Wanting to do assignments but being physically/mentally unable to start them.

C. Cheating on tests.

D. Having too much energy to sit still.

17. Which of the following is a “Thinking Sign” of depression?

A. Thinking about the future with excitement.

B. “What if” thoughts about worst-case scenarios.

C. Believing you are a “burden” to others.

D. Having perfect memory.

18. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most commonly triggered by:

A. Too much sugar during the holidays.

/B. Lack of sunlight during winter months.

C. The stress of starting a new school year.

D. High temperatures in the summer.

19. Depression and Anxiety are “comorbid,” which means:

A. They are the same thing.

B. They often occur together in the same person.

C. They are both contagious.

D. Neither can be treated.

20. What is the “988” number in the United States and Canada?

A. A directory for local hospitals.

B. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

C. A number to report bullying.

D. An insurance help desk.

Part 3: Burnout

21. What is the primary cause of Burnout?

A. Biological brain chemistry alone.

B. Prolonged, unmanaged stress, usually related to work or school.

C. Lack of exercise.

D. A specific traumatic event.

22. Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Burnout?

A. Excessive happiness.

B. Cynicism or feeling detached from your responsibilities.

C. Sudden bursts of creativity.

D. Improved time management.

23. How does Burnout differ from Depression regarding hobbies?

A. In burnout, you still want to do your hobbies but lack energy; in depression, you lose interest entirely.

B. There is no difference.

C. Burnout makes you better at hobbies.

D. Depression only affects school, while burnout only affects hobbies.

24. The “fix” for Burnout usually involves:

A. Working harder to finish everything.

B. Taking a genuine break and setting boundaries.

C. Medication only.

D. Changing your personality.

25. Which “stage” of burnout involves feeling completely numb and physically exhausted?

A. The Honeymoon Phase

B. The Balancing Act

C. Chronic Exhaustion / Crisis Stage

D. The Spark Phase

26. “Academic Burnout” is most common among students who:

A. Never study.

B. Are “overachievers” or feel constant pressure to be perfect.

C. Don’t care about their grades.

D. Only take elective classes.

27. Which of these is a physical sign of burnout?

A. Feeling rested after a weekend.

B. Frequent headaches and lowered immunity (getting sick often).

C. Increased physical strength.

D. Clear skin.

28. True or False: Burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon.

A. True

B. False

29. What is the best way to prevent burnout?

A. Multitasking more effectively.

B. Ignoring your feelings until the work is done.

C. Practicing self-care and knowing when to say “no.”

D. Drinking more caffeine.

30. If “Rest” doesn’t fix your exhaustion after several weeks, you may be experiencing ______ instead of burnout.

A. Laziness

B. Clinical Depression

C. Dehydration

D. Boredom

Part 4: Bipolar Disorder

31. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in:

A. Intelligence

B. Mood, energy, and activity levels

C. Vision and hearing

D. Reading ability

32. What is a “Manic Episode”?

A. A period of deep sadness and lethargy.

B. A period of extremely high energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior.

C. A type of panic attack.

D. A state of total memory loss.

33. What is the main difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?

A. Bipolar I involves full mania; Bipolar II involves hypomania (less severe mania) and depression.

B. Bipolar I is only for adults.

C. Bipolar II does not include depression.

D. There is no difference.

34. “Hypomania” is often mistaken for:

A. Being very tired.

B. Just being highly productive or “in a great mood.”

C. A stomach flu.

D. Laziness.

35. Which medication is a classic “mood stabilizer” used to treat Bipolar Disorder?

A. Aspirin

B. Lithium

C. Antibiotics

D. Melatonin

36. “Rapid Cycling” in Bipolar Disorder means:

A. Being very good at mountain biking.

B. Having four or more mood episodes within a single year.

C. Changing your mind about what to eat.

D. Only having symptoms at night.

37. What is “Cyclothymic Disorder”?

A. A severe form of mania.

B. A milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder with frequent mood swings.

C. A fear of bicycles.

D. A total lack of emotion.

38. During a manic episode, a person might:

A. Sleep for 14 hours straight.

B. Spend excessive money or take big risks.

C. Speak very slowly.

D. Feel very shy.

39. Can Bipolar Disorder be cured with just “positive thinking”?

A. Yes, mindset is everything.

B. No, it is a chronic medical condition that usually requires a combination of medication and therapy.

40. Why is a correct diagnosis important for Bipolar Disorder?

A. Because using only antidepressants (without a stabilizer) can sometimes trigger a manic episode.

B. So the person can skip school.

C. Because there are no treatments.

D. It isn’t important; all mental health treatments are the same.

Answer Key

Part 1: Anxiety

B | 2. B | 3. C | 4. B | 5. B | 6. C | 7. C | 8. C | 9. B | 10. B

Part 2: Depression

11. B | 12. B | 13. C | 14. B | 15. B | 16. B | 17. C | 18. B | 19. B | 20. B

Part 3: Burnout

21. B | 22. B | 23. A | 24. B | 25. C | 26. B | 27. B | 28. A | 29. C | 30. B

Part 4: Bipolar

31. B | 32. B | 33. A | 34. B | 35. B | 36. B | 37. B | 38. B | 39. B | 40. A