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Carer burnout self-check

Caring for a relative can wear anyone down, often slowly. This self-check asks about the past two weeks and gives you an honest picture, plus suggestions for what to try next. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.

This is a reflection tool, not a medical or psychological assessment, and it cannot diagnose depression, anxiety or burnout. If you feel unable to cope or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP, NHS 111 or a crisis line now, or call 999 in an emergency.

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0 of 12 answered

Over the past two weeks, how often…

1. I feel exhausted even after a night's sleep.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

2. I have trouble falling or staying asleep because of worry.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

3. I feel I have no time for myself.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

4. I get irritated with the person I care for and then feel guilty.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

5. I have cancelled my own plans, appointments or check-ups.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

6. I feel alone with the responsibility.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

7. I feel I am not doing enough, no matter what I do.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

8. My own health (headaches, back pain, blood pressure) has got worse.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

9. I have lost interest in things I used to enjoy.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

10. I eat badly, skip meals or rely on caffeine or alcohol to get through.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

11. I feel trapped in the situation.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

12. I cannot remember when I last had a full day off from caring.

Never Sometimes Often Almost always

Your result

Answer all 12 statements to see your result.

What is carer burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that builds up when the demands of caring stay higher than the rest and support you get. Common signs are constant tiredness, irritability, withdrawing from others, sleep problems and feeling trapped or hopeless.

How is the score calculated?

Each of the 12 statements scores 0 (never) to 3 (almost always), giving a total between 0 and 36. 0–9 is shown as a manageable load, 10–20 as strain building and 21 or more as a high risk of burnout. The bands are a guide for reflection, not a clinical cut-off.

Is this a medical test?

No. It is a reflection tool to help you notice strain early. Only a GP or mental-health professional can assess depression, anxiety or burnout. If you are worried about your mental health, please talk to a professional.