Is it Burnout? Is it Creative Block? How Can You Tell?

The two often look alike on the surface. Both can leave you feeling stuck, unmotivated, frustrated, or numb. But they come from different places and they require different kinds of care.

Burnout and Creative Block can feel similar but they’re not quite the same thing and the way that you might approach them differs significantly. Here’s a helpful breakdown followed by links to more in-depth articles.

Articles That Discuss Burnout, Creative Block, and/or related topics:

Is This Creative Burnout or Something Else?

The Psychology Behind Creative Blocks

7 Signs Your Creative Identity Is Evolving (and What to Do About It)

What to Do When You Feel Creatively Numb (Not Blocked, Just Blank)

Creative Wellness Matters More Than Productivity

Kathryn Vercillo on writer's block, the editing process, reading as research, and being gentle with yourself

Guest Post: The 4-Hour Workweek for Artists and Dancers

Art Meets Psychology Interview with Jianna Heuer

More by me:

• The Invisible Cost of Pushing Through: What Creatives Miss When They Ignore Their Bodies

• The Creative Health Revolution: Why Your Art Depends On Your Wellbeing

• When Your Creativity Feels Far Away

• How Freeze, Fawn, and Emotional Shutdown Impact the Creative Process

• For Therapists/Healers: Why Blogging Helps Prevent Burnout (Yes, Really)

• 10 Ideas for Knitters/Crocheters to Stay Inspired During a Crafting Hiatus

If you find my work helpful, know that it takes work. Support it if you can:

Smart Words From Other Writers:

Gratitude to

Megan Beth Davies

,

Naomi Duarte

,

Tracy Marshall

,

Sophia Carey

, and

Carina

for your work:

Writer's Block or Creative Burnout?

The Burnout Dilemma: Creative Block and the Pressure of Productivity

The Ultimate Guide to Beating Creative Block

You don’t have creative block, you have an audience.