What if burnout isn’t just burnout—but something deeper? In Breaking Point, a timely and thought-provoking new book co-authored by Dr. Irvin Schonfeld of the Colin Powell School and Dr. Renzo Bianchi, the authors challenge long-held beliefs about job stress and mental health. Drawing on extensive empirical research, they argue that what is commonly referred to as “burnout” may, in many cases, actually be a depressive condition.
Rather than treating burnout as a vague, workplace-specific issue, Breaking Point situates it within the broader framework of clinical depression. This shift in perspective opens up new possibilities for treatment and prevention. The book presents compelling evidence that proven therapies for depression—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)—can also benefit individuals experiencing burnout symptoms.
Beyond treatment, the authors advocate for a proactive approach: workplace reforms that reduce harmful stressors before they take a toll on mental health. They also explore the stigma surrounding both burnout and depression, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and institutional accountability.
Praised by international scholars, Breaking Point exemplifies impactful, research-based scholarship with direct relevance to the challenges facing today’s workforce. It’s a call to action for employers, mental health professionals, and anyone concerned with the well-being of workers in an increasingly demanding world.
Read more about the book here.
