Mental Wellness

Burnout Self-Check

Burnout builds slowly, and it’s easy to miss until you’re running on empty. These questions offer a gentle reflection on your energy and workload — and a nudge toward support if you need it.

This is not a diagnostic tool. If you’re struggling, please talk to a qualified professional. If you’re in distress or crisis, contact a helpline now — in the US & Canada call or text 988, in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123, in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Burnout self-check

Answer honestly about the past two weeks. There are no right or wrong answers.

I feel emotionally drained by my work or daily demands.
I feel detached or cynical about things I once cared about.
I struggle to find the energy to start tasks.
I feel I’m getting less done than I’d like.
I wake up already dreading the day ahead.
Time off doesn’t leave me feeling recharged.
Burnout self-check score6 / 18Showing some strain

Your answers point to some early signs of strain. This is a good moment to ease the load before it builds.

Things that may help

  • Take real breaks during the day, away from screens.
  • Hand off or pause non-essential tasks where you can.
  • Reconnect with parts of life that energise you.
  • Talk with a manager, friend or professional about the pressure.

This is not a diagnostic tool. If you’re struggling, please talk to a qualified professional.

If you’re in distress or crisis, reach out now: in the US & Canada call or text 988; in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123; in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

This is an educational estimate, not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional.

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What burnout feels like

Burnout is commonly described as having three threads: emotional exhaustion, feeling detached or cynical, and a sense of getting less done. This self-check reflects those themes back to you in plain language — it does not score you against any clinical scale.

The World Health Organization describes burn-out as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress — and is clear that it is not classified as a medical condition. So think of your result as a prompt for reflection, never a diagnosis.

Easing the load

Recovery usually means reducing the demands and increasing the recovery — not just trying harder. Real breaks during the day, protecting time off, handing off or pausing non-essential tasks, and reconnecting with parts of life that energise you all help.

Talking about it matters too. A conversation with a manager about workload, or with a friend or professional about how you’re feeling, can lift a surprising amount of weight. You don’t have to push through alone.

When to get support

If exhaustion, dread or detachment have lasted weeks, or you’re struggling to cope day to day, please reach out — to your doctor, a counsellor, or an employee assistance programme if you have one. Early support makes recovery faster.

And if you ever feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis helpline immediately (numbers at the top of this page). Reaching out is a strength, not a failure.

Frequently asked questions

Is burnout a medical diagnosis?

No. The World Health Organization describes burn-out as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. This tool is reflective only and cannot diagnose anything.

How is burnout different from stress?

Stress tends to involve over-engagement and urgency; burnout is more about exhaustion, detachment and feeling depleted after prolonged, unmanaged stress.

What helps with burnout?

Reducing demands and increasing genuine recovery — real breaks, protected time off, support from others, and professional help if it persists — tend to help more than simply working harder.

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Sources & references

  1. World Health Organization. "Burn-out an ‘occupational phenomenon’: International Classification of Diseases" (ICD-11) — burn-out is not classified as a medical condition.