Burnout is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger age groups and women. More than 40% of full-time desk workers are affected, with percentages increasing for people under 30. With such a high volume of workers suffering from burnout, it’s likely you or someone you know has experienced it at some stage. 

But what is causing burnout among young people and what are the signs? Take a closer look so that you can be better prepared against burnout and put your mental health first.

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Burnout explained

Put simply, ‘burnout’ is a feeling of being emotionally drained. When faced with the constant pressures of work, family life and relationships, the stress and mental strain can start to take their toll. While it can be difficult to diagnose burnout, it is possible to recognize some of the signs. Burnout can also have an impact on other areas of your health, leading to different mental and physical effects, including an impact on your immune system. 

What is causing burnout among young people?

So what is causing higher levels of burnout among young people? In a survey conducted by Future Forum, workers under 30 said they felt drained, and there are many reasons behind this, including:

Feeling the pressure to succeed

While modern work environments have brought in initiatives such as flexible and remote working, many workers today feel pressure to succeed, impacted by a constant state of crisis among modern businesses. The constant pressure of work, coupled with a lack of resources, means a lot of people feel overwhelmed at work, leading to stress and burnout. Many people have difficulty challenging workplace practices, as they don’t want to be labeled as not being a team player or because of concerns about their futures. 

Always being ‘on’

Another contributor to burnout is the pressure felt to always be ‘on.’ This hasn’t been helped by the global pandemic, where home working, cloud computing, and having messaging software on phones soon became the norm. The constant pressure to always be available means people are struggling to switch off at the end of the workday, which means they don’t get the rest they need.

Economic uncertainty 

There are circumstances outside of work that could also contribute to burnout among younger people. The rising cost of living, property prices and instability within different industries can add to the pressure felt by individuals to succeed. 

‘FOMO’

The ‘fear of missing out,’ means many young workers are spreading themselves too thin, both at work and in their social lives. From taking on too many tasks to filling up schedules with social activities, the pressure to do too much, especially during downtime, can have an impact on all areas of life.  

What are the signs of burnout?

Understanding the signs can help you recognize burnout at an early stage, either in yourself, or someone you know. Some of the most common signs of burnout include:

• Feeling prolonged tiredness or exhaustion
• Headaches
• Lower immunity, causing you to suffer from colds more often
• Feeling angry or irritable
• Persistent anxiety
• Negative or cynical feelings towards situations and people
• Lack of energy towards activities you normally enjoy
• Feeling unmotivated or listless.

Burnout will affect people in different ways, so you may only experience some of the symptoms listed above, or display different ones entirely. This video also has some helpful tips on recognizing burnout:

@thehealingtherapist Have you felt burnout? #burnout #burnedoutmentallyandphysically #burnoutprevention #burnouts #mentalhealthawareness ♬ As It Was – Harry Styles

Things you can do to help recover from burnout

Suffering from burnout doesn’t have to be a permanent state, there are things you can do to help you recover, allowing you to take back control of your life and wellbeing. Some of the things you can do to help yourself recover from burnout include:

Recognize the problem

A lot of people try to carry on as normal, even though they’re suffering from burnout. Recognizing the problem is the first step toward doing something about it. Take time to process how you’re feeling, and understand that it’s ok to take a step back if you need to. Whether you need to take time off from work, go on a vacation, or adjust your working hours, give yourself the break you need to recover.

Create boundaries for yourself

The next step is creating some boundaries. Being able to say no is important to help you switch off and get your mental health in order. Try limiting your screen time, taking regular breaks from work, and saying no to anything you know you can’t handle or have the time for. It will be an adjustment, but learning to say no will soon become easier, especially once you see an improvement in your symptoms.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is incredibly important, so try to make the time for the activities you enjoy that help you relax. From exercise to reading and spending time with friends, these activities can help you switch off from work so that you can regain some balance.

Get some help

It’s not always easy to combat burnout by yourself. Reach out to friends and family to explain how you’re feeling, which will help you process what you’re going through. If you need further help, a mental health facility or professional could help you feel listened to, and help you get the treatment you need to recover. Reaching out isn’t always easy, but you’ll feel better once you do.

Always prioritize sleep and time to rest

Making sure you get enough sleep is important for your recovery, as well as making sure you get plenty of downtime. Give your body and mind the chance to recharge, and be strict with your bedtime routine.

With cases of burnout on the rise, it’s important to understand what it is and what you can do to recover from it. The early signs of burnout signal that something needs to change, and if you’re regularly feeling pressure or stress at work, you need to do something to change your situation. Whether it’s talking to your manager about what you’re experiencing or changing jobs, it’s important to adjust your work situation to help you find the right work/life balance. 

Published by HOLR Magazine.