Burnout is what happens when work or caregiving stress goes on so long, without enough recovery, that you run out of the energy, motivation and sense of purpose you once had. It is not a weakness and it is not the same as depression, though the two overlap and burnout raises the risk of depression, anxiety and problem drinking. This self-assessment covers the three dimensions researchers use to measure burnout. Answer about the past month.
This self-assessment is for information only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
Burnout Self-Assessment
In the past month, have you:
- Felt emotionally drained or used up at the end of most days?
- Woken up already tired, dreading the day ahead?
- Felt that no amount of rest, weekends or time off restores your energy?
- Become cynical, detached or irritable about your work, your patients or clients, or the people you care for?
- Started to feel that what you do does not matter, or that you are just going through the motions?
- Doubted your competence or felt you accomplish less than you used to, no matter how hard you work?
- Had trouble concentrating, making decisions or remembering things?
- Had headaches, stomach problems, muscle tension or frequent illness without another clear cause?
- Pulled away from friends, family or activities you used to enjoy?
- Used alcohol, cannabis, sleep aids or other substances to switch off, sleep or get through the day?
What Your Answers May Mean
Burnout has three parts: exhaustion (questions 1 to 3), cynicism or detachment (4 and 5) and reduced effectiveness (6 and 7). “Yes” answers across all three, lasting weeks rather than days, point to burnout rather than ordinary stress. Questions 8 to 10 flag the spillover into health, relationships and substance use that turns burnout into a medical concern. Burnout also shares symptoms with depression: if you also feel hopeless or worthless, have lost interest in nearly everything, or have thoughts of not wanting to live, please see a clinician, because depression needs treatment of its own.
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What Burnout Is
The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is most studied in healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and caregivers, but it occurs in any role with high demands, low control and little recognition. Chronic stress keeps the body’s stress hormones elevated, which disrupts sleep, mood, immunity and cardiovascular health. Learn more about anxiety and depression.
How Burnout Is Treated
- Changing the conditions: workload, hours, control over your work, and recovery time; individual coping alone rarely fixes a structural problem
- Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance-based approaches, for stress, perfectionism and the depression or anxiety that often ride along
- Sleep, exercise and social connection, which are treatments rather than luxuries
- Treatment for substance use if alcohol or drugs have become the off switch
- Higher levels of care, from intensive outpatient to inpatient programs, when depression, anxiety or substance use has become severe
See inpatient mental health treatment and online counseling.
Want to talk to someone about your results? Our admissions team can arrange a confidential assessment with a licensed clinician and explain treatment options, from outpatient therapy to inpatient care. Verify your insurance or call any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burnout a medical diagnosis?
Not in the United States. The WHO lists it as an occupational phenomenon, not a disease. The depression, anxiety, insomnia and substance use it can lead to are diagnosable and treatable.
How is burnout different from depression?
Burnout is tied to a specific role and often improves with time away from it. Depression affects every area of life and does not lift with a vacation.
Will a vacation fix burnout?
Time off helps in the short term, but symptoms usually return unless the workload, control or support that caused it changes.
Can burnout lead to alcohol or drug problems?
Yes. Using substances to unwind, sleep or cope is common in high-stress professions and is one of the main paths from burnout to a substance use disorder.
Does insurance cover treatment for stress and burnout?
Most plans cover treatment for the anxiety, depression and substance use associated with burnout. Verify your coverage in minutes.
