Is burnout a medical diagnosis?

Currently, burnout is not classified as a medical condition in the DSM-5, but it is recognized by the WHO as an 'occupational phenomenon'.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery depends on the severity. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. The most critical factor is making structural changes to your environment, not just 'resting'.

Can you be burned out from things other than work?

Yes. 'Job' can refer to any sustained, demanding role. Parental burnout, caregiver burnout, and activist burnout are all well-documented.

What is the difference between burnout and depression?

They share symptoms like exhaustion and loss of interest. However, burnout is typically context-specific (e.g., related to your job), whereas depression is pervasive across all areas of life.

Burnout Risk Test

Tired, or truly burned out? Take this free 6-question assessment to measure your emotional exhaustion and occupational risk.

6 Questions

Private & Anonymous

Clinically Informed

6 questions · Anonymous · Takes 1 minute

Question 1 of 6

Regarding your energy and daily life...

How often do you feel tired?

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that results from prolonged, unmanageable stress. Unlike ordinary tiredness, burnout doesn't go away with a weekend off or a good night's sleep. It is a cumulative condition that affects your energy, motivation, and sense of purpose.

"Burnout doesn't only affect people who work long hours. Research shows it is closely linked to how much control you feel over your situation, not just the workload itself."

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes burnout as an "occupational phenomenon". It is characterized by three dimensions: energy depletion, increased mental distance, and reduced professional efficacy.

Common Signs of Burnout

Chronic Fatigue

Feeling exhausted most of the time, even after a full night of rest. This is one of the earliest and most common warning signs.

Emotional Exhaustion

Feeling emotionally drained and unable to cope with daily demands. You may notice increased irritability or emotional numbness.

Reduced Performance

Decreased productivity and difficulty concentrating. Tasks that once felt manageable now feel completely overwhelming.

Cynicism & Detachment

Developing a negative or detached attitude toward work, responsibilities, or people you once deeply cared about.

Burnout vs. Stress

Stress

• Characterized by overengagement
• Emotions are overreactive
• Produces urgency and hyperactivity
• Can often be resolved with rest

Burnout

• Characterized by disengagement
• Emotions are blunted
• Produces helplessness and hopelessness
• Requires structural changes

Understand Your Exhaustion.
Discover the Connections.

Burnout rarely happens in isolation. Do a quick check to see how your exhaustion might connect to underlying anxiety, perfectionism, or boundary issues.

Check Burnout Connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Scientific Framework

Theoretical Framework

This screening is based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), a widely used measure of personal and work-related burnout symptoms.

Clinical Screening

It is designed as a brief screening for burnout-related exhaustion patterns, offering an early signal when ongoing stress may be affecting day-to-day functioning.

This self-assessment is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a diagnostic tool. Rilev does not collect personally identifiable information from this screening. Responses are processed locally in your browser and are not sent to our servers during the screening. This tool does not replace professional evaluation. If you believe you may be experiencing burnout or related conditions, please consult a licensed mental health professional.