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I'd say you don't necessarily have to explain it in as much detail as you might think. Employers mainly care whether you're fit for the job now - not your exact medical history. A brief, honest explanation is totally sufficient: "I took an extended break for personal reasons / health" or simply "I've recovered and I'm ready to get back to work." That's professional and fair to yourself.
If the gap is bigger and they ask directly, then yes - mention briefly that it was burnout and that you're ready to move forward now. Lots of people have gone through something like that, especially in high-stress industries. You shouldn't feel ashamed about it. What matters is that you credibly show you've reflected on the situation and know how to handle it (setting better boundaries, not overloading yourself, or whatever helped).
Don't make a big deal out of the break in the interview. Answer the question shortly and honestly, but then quickly shift to what you can do now and why you're suited for the position. You don't owe your potential employer your whole trauma story.
It really depends on how long the gap is and how you're doing now. For a few months, honestly I'd say: you don't have to explain anything at all. Just put down a reason like "Health reasons" or "Personal break" - done. Employers will ask if they're interested, and you decide how much you want to share. That's completely legitimate.
For longer breaks (6+ months) it's harder to get around a brief explanation, but it doesn't need to go into detail. "I took an extended break for my health" is plenty. The more important thing: you should really be stable again before you apply. Nobody benefits if you go into a new job and then struggle again.
What the previous answer doesn't quite hit - especially with burnout, it often makes sense to make it clear in your application materials that you're ready to work again. Not detailed, but confident. In the actual interview you can then respond depending on how it goes. Important: no victim mentality, no drama. Just facts, then focus on the future.
You can bring it up, but you don't have to justify yourself - "health reasons" is perfectly fine. What employers really want to know: are you stable and ready to work now? If so, the gap isn't a big deal as long as you come across as credible about it. Some candidates keep it completely under wraps, others are upfront - both can work, it just depends on the situation.
How long is your gap, and how are you structuring your cover letter right now? The answers so far hit the mark - "health reasons" is completely sufficient, and you really shouldn't go into details. Here's a practical trick a lot of people overlook: Use your cover letter to actively look forward instead of drawing attention to the gap. Mention concrete projects or skills you're bringing to the table now, put yourself front and center. That way the gap automatically seems less prominent and employers think about it less. In the interview itself, keep it brief and to the point - "I faced some health challenges, but I'm now fully capable again" - and move right on to the next topic.
Andreas24 asker
The gap is about a year, and I got back into it after that. Focusing the cover letter on new skills really helps me move forward.
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