By NAMI Southwest Washington
When I was sixteen, I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I couldn’t concentrate like I used to. I was tired all the time, even after sleeping in on weekends. Homework that once felt easy suddenly took hours, and I’d stare at blank documents, paralyzed. I stopped responding to texts from friends. I skipped meals. I cried without knowing why. And worst of all, I began calling myself lazy.
Looking back now, I realize: I wasn’t lazy.
I was overwhelmed.
I was burned out.
What Burnout Looks Like in Young People
Burnout isn’t just something adults experience from high-pressure jobs. Young people — especially those juggling school, family responsibilities, extracurriculars, social pressure, and uncertainty about the future — are highly vulnerable too.
Burnout in youth can look like:
When you’re young, and you don’t have the words for what’s happening, burnout can feel like personal failure. But it’s not a character flaw — it’s a natural human response to prolonged stress with too little support.
The Pressure to Be “Always On”
Between academic demands, college or career pressure, social media comparisons, and the weight of world events, young people today are carrying a lot. We’ve normalized hustle culture so deeply that rest feels like slacking. Productivity is celebrated, but wellness? Often overlooked.
When I hit that wall in high school, I didn’t have the language to tell my parents, “I think I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted.” Instead, I silently blamed myself. I thought I had lost my motivation, my edge — and with it, my worth.
What I needed wasn’t a lecture about procrastination.
I needed someone to ask:
“What’s weighing on you?”
“When was the last time you felt joy or calm?”
“What would support look like right now?”
How We Can Help Ourselves and Each Other
Whether you’re a teen feeling stuck or an adult who cares about one, it’s important to understand burnout for what it is — and to respond with compassion.
Here’s how we can start:
A Final Word
If you’re feeling worn down, uninspired, or like you’re failing at being a “productive” person — pause. Breathe.
You are not lazy. You are human.
And you deserve the space and support to come back to yourself.
