How do I know if my creative block is actually depression or burnout?

The distinction matters because the cure is different. A creative block often feels like being stuck in one room—you can see the door, you just can't find the key. Depression or burnout feels more like the room itself is disappearing. You lose not just the ability to make, but the desire to look, to notice, to care about the small details that used to catch your eye. I've found that keeping a simple log helps: note when you feel resistant to starting work versus when you feel numb to things that usually move you. Notice if you're sleeping differently, if food tastes like less, if you're irritable in ways that surprise you. These aren't character flaws—they're your body's signal that something needs attention beyond the creative practice itself. The honest thing is this: you might need both solutions. You might need rest and professional support *and* a different way of approaching your work. Pay attention to whether the block feels like resistance or absence. That's your first real clue about what comes next.