Signs of Teen Burnout and How You Can Help
What Is Teen Burnout?
When we think of burnout, we often imagine adults exhausted by work or parenting. But teens? They can experience burnout, too—and it’s becoming more common than ever.
Teen burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by ongoing stress. It can come from school pressure, social expectations, managing neurodivergence, or trying to keep up with everything all at once.
Unlike stress, burnout doesn’t just feel overwhelming—it feels numbing. And for many teens, it can go unnoticed until they’re truly struggling.
Signs of Burnout in Teens
Burnout doesn’t always look the way we expect. For teens, it might show up as:
Constant exhaustion – Even with enough sleep, they feel drained and foggy.
Increased irritability or mood swings – Small things lead to big reactions.
Withdrawal – From friends, family, or things they used to enjoy.
Apathy – They say they “don’t care” about school, goals, or the future.
Physical symptoms – Headaches, stomachaches, or sleep problems with no clear medical cause.
Perfectionism or fear of failure – Especially in neurodivergent teens who mask to meet expectations.
Burnout masking as laziness – They may seem unmotivated, but deep down, they’re overwhelmed.
Burnout can also mimic symptoms of anxiety or depression, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
Why Is This Happening?
Teens today are facing a unique mix of stressors:
Academic pressure and performance expectations
Social media and digital comparison
Pandemic-related disruptions
Identity exploration and peer dynamics
Neurodivergent teens navigating masking, overstimulation, or unmet needs
For many, there’s little space to rest, process emotions, or just be human. That’s a recipe for burnout.
How You Can Support a Teen Experiencing Burnout
You don’t need to “fix” them. But you can offer support that helps them feel seen, safe, and less alone.
Listen without problem-solving
Sometimes teens need space to vent without advice. Try: “That sounds really hard. Want to tell me more?”
Normalize rest
Help them understand that downtime isn’t laziness—it’s essential. Model rest in your own life, too.
Create small, flexible routines
Instead of pushing big to-do lists, help them build in structure that feels manageable and self-directed.
Support neurodivergent needs
This might mean sensory breaks, unmasking at home, or helping them advocate for school accommodations.
Check in on their self-talk
Teens often blame themselves when burned out. Gently remind them: “You’re not lazy. You’re tired—and you deserve care.”
Offer professional support when needed
Sometimes the safest thing you can do is connect them with a therapist who understands burnout, identity, and other challenges they’re facing.
Burnout doesn’t mean your teen is failing. It means their nervous system has hit its limit—and they need support, not shame.
If you’re concerned your teen is burned out, overwhelmed, or just not themselves lately, you’re not alone. Therapy can offer a space for them to reconnect with who they are—without pressure, performance, or judgment. Ready to connect? Feel free to get in touch through our contact form or call us at 815.792.2575