Am I Experiencing Burnout?

A symptom checklist to help clients reflect on symptoms of burnout and explore whether a professional assessment may be beneficial.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

Burnout is a work-related condition characterized by emotional exhaustion, mental distance, and a sense of ineffectiveness resulting from prolonged occupational stress. Drawing on the ICD-11 definition, this symptom checklist provides a structured and accessible way for clients and clinicians to consider whether an individual’s experience may reflect features of burnout. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis or assess severity, but it can support early discussions about whether further evaluation is warranted.

Why Use This Resource?

Burnout can be difficult to recognize — especially for those who have been enduring it for a long time or who tend to overlook their own needs. This symptom checklist helps to facilitate clear and compassionate exploration:

  • Encourages reflection on emotional exhaustion and work-related disengagement.  
  • Supports early identification of occupational stress-related impairment.  
  • Promotes therapeutic conversations about workload, wellbeing, and coping.  
  • Helps distinguish burnout from other conditions such as depression.

Key Benefits

Clarity

Offers a straightforward and accessible symptom checklist.

Engaging

Encourages therapeutic conversations and reflective exploration.

Supportive

Complements, but does not replace, formal clinical assessment.

Who is this for?

Burnout

For individuals experiencing chronic stress, exhaustion, or disengagement related to work.

High workload

For clients who feel depleted or ineffective in professional roles.

Emotional fatigue

For those struggling with motivation, frustration, or compassion fatigue.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Introduce

Gently introduce the possibility of burnout using the suggested therapeutic prompt.

02

Explore

Complete the checklist together to identify areas of stress and concern.

03

Review

Consider how the client’s experiences align with features of burnout.

04

Plan

Use the insights gained to guide further discussion, intervention, or referral.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Burnout is recognised in the ICD-11 as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is defined by three core dimensions: emotional exhaustion; mental distancing or cynicism toward one’s job; reduced professional efficacy.

Unlike depression, burnout is conceptualized as an occupational phenomenon rather than a mental disorder, though they can share overlapping symptoms. This symptom checklist is informed by the ICD-11 definition and is intended to support early identification, validation of client experiences, and collaborative exploration of next steps. It is not designed to assess severity or provide a diagnosis.

What's inside

  • An 8-item symptom checklist reflecting key features of burnout.  
  • A therapist prompt to introduce the concept of burnout in-session.  
  • Guidance to help clients interpret their responses and seek further support if needed.  
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FAQs

No. This is a symptom checklist that can indicate whether burnout may be present. It does not provide a formal diagnosis.
This may suggest significant burnout. Consider discussing work stressors, coping strategies, and whether further assessment or workplace adjustments are needed.
Burnout is specifically linked to chronic workplace stress and tends to affect motivation and performance at work. Depression typically involves broader, more pervasive mood and cognitive symptoms and may require a different form of treatment.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This resource supports clinical work by:

  • Facilitating structured reflection on work-related stress.  
  • Helping clients name and understand symptoms of burnout.  
  • Encouraging early intervention and recovery planning.  

References And Further Reading

  • Lindblom, K. M., Linton, S. J., Fedeli, C., & Bryngelsson, I. L. (2006). Burnout in the working population: relations to psychosocial work factors. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 13, 51–59. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327558ijbm1301_7  
  • World Health Organization. (2019). ICD-11: International classification of diseases (11th revision). Retrieved from https://icd.who.int/