Burnout and The Effects On Physical and Mental Wellness
Written By: Laila Ibrahim and Xavier Oyola
Dissecting mental health in teens and young adults is not a new phenomenon. The mental health of the youth has been on a steep decline for the last few decades. There are many reasons for that, including social media, COVID, and more serious things such as domestic abuse. But the main factor that has caused burnout among youth is a lack of control and a sense of self. Whether it is the ever-changing environment, competitive academics, and a constant state of anxiety about one's future, or the toxic, judgmental culture that social media has cultivated, the minds of youth are imprisoned and isolated.
We're all familiar with the effects of these experiences, with the typical symptoms including: anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, disordered eating habits, and overall feeling "completely overwhelmed" (American Psychological Association). But beyond the psychological toll, these experiences can severely impact our physical health, influencing our sleep patterns, cardiovascular health, and immune function.
First, let's delve into the specifics of burnout and how to identify the signs. Burnout is not a medical condition but rather an 'occupational phenomenon' characterized by severe mental exhaustion and fatigue, according to the WHO (National Library of Medicine). The symptoms of burnout may be overlooked, as they can be subtle and, at times,… normalized! Many individuals do not understand this depletion of their energy and may associate it with preexisting conditions. It's difficult to pinpoint when burnout occurs, as the criteria are too vague, and symptoms may overlap with depression (National Library of Medicine). However, there are a few tell-tale signs, such as (Mental Health America):
Persistent exhaustion regardless of the amount of sleep you are getting
A new sense of dread when having to deal with responsibilities
An inability to focus and make silly errors/mistakes
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious
Headaches or overall physical fatigue
It's important to note that these are some very general symptoms, and preexisting conditions may already have these effects on an individual. On another note, if burnout persists and is left unchecked, our bodies will begin to respond. Some negative, and temporary effects of burnout can include digestive issues, such as acid reflux or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Now, in terms of cardiovascular health, chronic stress is a leading factor in heart disease. High stress leads to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.
Everyone is different; burnout may manifest differently for different people. The most important thing is to get to know yourself. Learn your limits so you can recognize when you are pushing yourself too hard and when you are experiencing burnout. After all, stress is the silent killer. If you feel yourself burning out, self-care and mindfulness are essential for recovery. Practicing good mindful habits can help us recognize stress triggers, while self-care can help us cope with stressful moments. Good nutrition and adequate rest help restore our physical and mental harmony. Building strong habits makes us more resilient to the stress that the world throws at us, at any given moment.
References:
Medaris, Anna. “Gen Z Adults and Younger Millennials Are “Completely Overwhelmed” by Stress.” American Psychological Association, 1 Nov. 2023, www.apa.org/topics/stress/generation-z-millennials-young-adults-worries.
“Burnout Harms Workers’ Physical Health through Many Pathways.” Https://Www.apa.org, www.apa.org/monitor/jun06/burnout.
Khammissa, Razia A.G., et al. “Burnout Phenomenon: Neurophysiological Factors, Clinical Features, and Aspects of Management.” Journal of International Medical Research, vol. 50, no. 9, Sept. 2022, p. 030006052211064, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9478693/, https://doi.org/10.1177/03000605221106428.
“Burnout: Signs, Causes, and How to Recover | Mental Health America.” Mental Health America, 8 Apr. 2025,
The. “Youngs Counseling, Cypress TX.” Youngs Counseling, Cypress TX, 18 Mar. 2025, www.youngscounseling.com/blog/the-link-between-burnout-and-physical-health.
