Having to juggle jobs, studies, relationships, and more, alongside ensuring that one remains sane, is taking a toll on the youth. While many are embarking on new milestones in their lives, others are going through an overwhelming burnout. With added factors like social pressure, financial responsibilities, and relationship struggles, burnout is no longer just a fleeting phase but a deep-rooted issue.
Burnout among students
For many students, the constant pressure to perform, make life decisions, and keep up with societal expectations leads to feelings of being stuck and unmotivated. Jaden Bravo Da Costa, a psychology student from Panjim, said, “I am going through burnout as I am in my third year of college. There is a lot of uncertainty about what I will do next.” There are numerous reasons for the burnout experienced by young adults.
Janet Fernandes, counsellor and HOD of the psychology department in St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, said, “I would focus on relationship difficulties and academic stress as reasons for these multiple levels of burnout.” Many of the students today enter into romantic relationships, to the extent of having an intimate connection with their partner. When there is a struggle in this relationship, like a breakup, that creates a large bearing on their lives. In terms of academics, students feel that there is too much to learn. Students involve themselves in procrastination behaviour, accumulation of work happens, and they end up stressed and burned out.
Employed young adults and burnout
Employed young adults face higher stress levels due to concerns about productivity, early layoffs, financial responsibilities for their families, and other pressures. The transition from student to employee is challenging. Having a mentor or a trusted guide can help in managing burnout and related stress. Rasik Raikar, an associate software engineer working at a tech company in Panjim, said, laughing, “Every corporate life is an example for burnout; it has become part and parcel of my everyday life. He also added, “There is no getting out of burnout; you just get used to it.”
Work–life balance is important. Being a high achiever is admirable as long as you protect your peace. Sanjana Patil, another employee, said, “There is nothing wrong with working hard, but one should be able to balance between professional and personal life.”
Burnout isn’t forever:
Therapy as a solution
One needs to identify the reasons for burnout and then accordingly incorporate them into a therapy session. Janet said, “In counselling sessions, during the first session, we help the client identify what is the source of stress, and in the second session, we discuss stress and how that person can help them overcome it.” She further elaborated on the different types of interventions like positive imagery, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
Burnout is no longer an isolated experience but a widespread reality. While overcoming it may not be easy, young adults can navigate burnout and lead more fulfilling
lives.
Burnout beyond degrees
and deadlines
Social media is a huge factor in causing burnout. The need for social validation is intense. As silly as posting an aesthetic picture but not getting enough likes or comments again makes young people ponder on whether they are unloved and worthless. Another factor can be the global pandemic. Young adults from Gen Z and the millennial generation have received top-notch education and training, but just as they were about to enter the job market and apply their skills, Covid-19 disrupted everything.
The abrupt shift back to normalcy after the pandemic only made things worse, as students and employees were expected to perform at pre-pandemic levels without proper transition support.
Overcoming burnout
Although the getting through part might be easier said than done, it is still possible with a lot of dedication, commitment, and more. Detoxing or clearing your head is very important. Many young people have their own ways of dealing with stress and burnout. Rishab Talwardar, an 18-year-old student in Panjim, said, “Listening to music, doing something that you love, or engaging in your favourite hobby, watching a movie,
anything can help.” Shane Pereira, a student of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, said, “I think about
my goals, and I take action,
step by step.” According to
him, sticking to a consistent
and productive routine is the key. Furthermore, people have agreed on regular workouts, journaling, and more as effective options.