We often think of burnout as a condition affecting overworked adults, but teenage burnout is a very real – and sometimes very serious – problem. 

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and/or emotional exhaustion caused by an ongoing stressful situation. For teens, this can be an overloaded schedule, high expectations, or overwhelming social pressure. These situations can be driven by parents, teachers, friends, social media, and even teens themselves. 

The Ridge is a residential treatment center devoted to adolescent mental health. And below, we’re covering what you need to know about teenage burnouts, including the basics that parents and caregivers need to know in order to identify and prevent burnout in middle- and high-schoolers. 

5 Common Signs of Teen Burnout

More than one in four teens experience burnout. How will you know it’s happening? Here are some of the most common signs of burnout a teenager may present with:

1. Constant fatigue: Prolonged stress depletes energy and can result in fatigue even with adequate rest. 
2. Mood and behavior changes: Increased irritability or anxiety, or uncharacteristic behaviors, can all be signs that a teen is suffering from burnout. 
3. Withdrawal from activities: A teen experiencing burnout may opt out of social activities or social interactions due to exhaustion or a lack of motivation. 
4. Declining academic performance: Burnout can make it difficult to concentrate and/or stay on track with school work. 
5. Physical symptoms: There are many possible physical symptoms of teen burnout, including headaches, stomach issues, sleep disturbances, and muscle pains.

What Causes Teenage Burnouts?

The teen years are a difficult time, with lots of internal and external pressure to succeed. They’re also a time of uncertainty, particularly as it pertains to personal identity and plans for the future. These factors create a perfect storm for burnout, with direct causes that may include:

• Pressure to maintain grades and get into a good college
• Overcommitment between school, extracurricular activities, and jobs
• Poor sleep habits due to stress or screen time
• Struggles with perfectionism and self-doubt 
• Pressure from peers, social media, and family 

Also worth noting is the link between burnout and mental health. The chronic stress and exhaustion behind burnout put teens at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use, and long-term burnout can take a major toll on mental and emotional well-being, especially if left untreated. 

How to Address Burnout: Teenager-Friendly Approach to Burnout Prevention and Recovery

You can help your teen balance their schedule and manage expectations to avoid burnout. Using the signs of burnout in teens above, you can also monitor for symptoms and, if necessary, take swift action to address them. 

Some way you can help your teen prevent and recover from burnout include:

• Encourage balance by teaching your teen to prioritize rest, relaxation, and downtime
• Set realistic expectations for your child and focus on progress, not perfection
• Work together on creating a manageable schedule, making sure to find a good balance between school, social activities, and rest
• Help your teen set and maintain a good sleep schedule (teens need 9-9.5 hours per night, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• Teach stress management techniques like mindfulness, physical activity, and relaxation methods
• Promote open communication and create a safe space for your teen to discuss their stressors
• Prioritize spending time outdoors 
• Talk openly with your child about their social media experiences and set limits on screen time and scrolling if warranted

As a parent or caregiver of a teen, you play a huge role in teaching your child the importance of rest, balance, and self-awareness. 

Many teens aren’t getting enough sleep or time to decompress. By making tiny improvements to your teen’s lifestyle you can help them build resilience in the face of stress and stay true to their needs – skills that are a must for keeping burnout at bay and that will serve them well through young adulthood and beyond. 

Professional Support for Burnout in Teens

Burnout is all-too common in teens. It’s also largely preventable. Use the information in this article to better identify and address teenage burnout, stopping it in its tracks and reducing the associated mental health risks. Think your teen is burned out but not sure where to turn? Professional help is always available, and is often an ideal solution for teens who also struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Explore The Ridge RTC website for additional resources on teen mental health, and contact us to learn more about residential treatment options for teen stress disorders.