Most of us have come to believe that burnout – the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress – happens only to adults, but do not be surprised if we tell you that it’s something that lots of teenagers are now experiencing too.
According to a recent study published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, nearly 70% of the surveyed students reported moderate to high levels of anxiety, while more than half of them showed symptoms of depression. Over 70% felt emotionally distressed, and 65% struggled to manage their emotions or behaviour.
While the figures project a stark reality, what’s worrisome is that these issues are also resulting in many youngsters taking the extreme step. A National Crime Records Bureau report revealed that 13,044 student suicides took place in the country in 2022. The number was half of that about a decade earlier. Incidentally, India makes up for 10% of all suicide cases reported worldwide.
“There is certainly a rise in teenage burnouts in our country,” agrees Dr Priyanka Gera Puri, consultant, child psychologist, department of paediatrics, Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai. “The life of a teenager is tough due to academic demands and societal pressures. At this age, they are in the middle of understanding the physical changes in their body, finding their social identity, or striving for emotional and mental independence. Add to it, the alarming rise of the influence of the digital world, which impacts their mental and physical well-being,” she adds.
Signs & symptoms
“Every month, 10-15 teenagers seek help with us for burnout or due to their inability to function well socially, academically or at home,” says Dr Puri.
Dr Achal Bhagat, senior consultant, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, adds, “Since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable rise in such cases. Burnout goes beyond simply feeling tired, it is a deeper state of emotional, mental, and physical fatigue that leaves teenagers feeling overwhelmed, detached, and unable to cope with
daily demands.”
Talking about symptoms, Dr Bhagat explains that burnout in teenagers can be both emotional and physical. Many experience persistent exhaustion, irritability, and frequent mood swings. “Burnout can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to either excessive sleep or insomnia, and cause teenagers to withdraw from friends and family. In some cases, unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches may appear,” he adds.
Dr Puri, citing a few more specific symptoms of burnout in teenagers, says that the primary symptoms of teenagers struggling with academic burnout include examination blackouts, inability to remember even after practising academics, low motivation to study, inability to concentrate for long duration, lack of self-expression, emotional or anger outbursts, and more.
“The daily emotional struggles with caretakers, lower academic performance and inability to establish fulfilling relationships are some red flags of teenagers racing towards burnouts,”says Dr Puri, adding, “Physical symptoms may include frequent injuries and pain, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and weak gut health.”
While the period of puberty and adolescence brings with it hormonal changes affecting teenagers emotionally, say experts, the current reality of youths in the teenaged groups are also doubly anxiety inducing, with relatively high stakes.
“A lifestyle with less sleep, and more media exposure, minimal physical activity and high involvement with social or educational demands, is leading to burnouts in teenagers,” opines Dr Puri. “Also social pressures like peer relationships, bullying and desire to fit in can be distressing leading to emotional and physical exhaustion,” she adds.
Excessive use of screens or social media without parental supervision exposes teenagers to cyber-bullying as well. “Gaming is another profound addiction that parents need to be concerned about,” Dr Puri offers.
Dr Bhagat notes an important pattern amongst teenagers. “Often, teenagers overgeneralise their experiences, magnifying failures and setbacks, which further drains their emotional resilience,” he adds.
Prevention & management
Preventing and managing burnout requires a shared effort between teenagers, parents, and schools. “Schools can help by reducing unnecessary academic pressure, teaching life skills and emotional wellness, training teachers to recognise distress, providing access to counsellors, encouraging creative extracurriculars, and promoting anti-bullying initiatives,” says Dr Bhagat.
“Lifestyle changes must include a routine which helps them in brain stimulation exercises or games to strengthen brain muscles, a sport or physical activity daily to generate oxygen levels that can help in emotional regulation,” advises Dr Puri, adding that drinking two litres of water daily, a nutritious diet pattern which can overcome deficiencies, along with consistent sleep schedule of at least 8 to 9 hours daily can help. She also notes, “Recent statistics and my clinical practice indicate a gap in social interactions as the child grows.”
Echoing the point that schools also ought to take up measures to support students’ mental health, Dr Puri says it would be very beneficial for them to encourage and bring awareness on holistic health benefits for teenagers. “If we were to put a burnout box inside every class room and ask students at any time of the day to put questions into it without disclosing their identity then we can encourage healthy participation and education on this subject,” she suggests.
Society & self-discovery
“Society plays a significant role in shaping self-discovery and personal growth and if under pressure can create inner conflicts, confusion and uncertainty,” points out Dr Puri.
Experts across the board agree that the most all-encompassing cause and solution for teenage burnout and mental health issues in youths can be attributed to the role of society in their lives. If society has the potential to create and fuel anxieties in children, it also has the power to provide for a safe environment encouraging healthy communication and growth.
Dr Bhagat adds, “Teenage burnout is not just a school-related problem, it is influenced by home life, personal health, and the overall environment a young person grows up in.” Supportive families that prioritise mental well-being, along with schools that focus on emotional as well as academic development, can help safeguard against burnout, he adds.
Look out for:
- Persistent exhaustion
- Mood swings
- Frequent body pain, injuries
- Low concentration
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of self-expression
What’s causing it?
- Academic pressure
- Social media, peer pressure
- Excessive video games
- Bullying
- Overstimulation, information overload
- Lack of fulfilling relationships