Is Your Teen Experiencing Burnout? Signs Every Parent Should Know
Howard County’s school systems are regarded as some of the best in the state of Maryland. While children in Ellicott City and the surrounding areas are provided one of the best educations, this environment can also lead to increased academic pressure. Educational stress, coupled with the extracurricular focus that Howard County often prioritizes for a well-rounded education, can quickly lead to teen burnout.
Teen burnout is a form of anxiety and depression that is caused by the intense pressure of activities and performance. Children are spread too thin, handling too many high expectations at a young age that can feel insurmountable. Left unchecked, teen burnout can cause the development of lasting mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other issues.
If you’re a parent or guardian of a teen in Howard County and you’re worried about their mental health due to academic pressure, check the common signs of teen burnout every parent should know. Catching the signs early and checking in with your child can provide better stability, improved performance, and positive mental health going forward.
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Need Support? Call The Family Center in Ellicott City
(410) 531-5087
Common Signs of Burnout in Teens
Complaints of Being Constantly Tired
The first, and most common, sign of teen burnout is constantly complaining of being tired or fatigued. Despite what may appear to be a healthy sleep schedule, teens may feel rundown no matter how many rest days they take or how many breaks they schedule.
It goes beyond “being tired” and is a consistent pattern of lethargy. If your teen constantly says they are tired and is showing signs of weariness, drag, and overall withdrawal, it could be more than a rough few days or bad sleeping habits.
Unmotivated and Withdrawn
Being tired and experiencing burnout will also lead to a lack of motivation and withdrawal from friends or other fulfilling activities. When your teen no longer shows interest in the things that matter most to them, burnout may be zapping all of their energy and excitement, wearing them down to the bone.
That tired feeling that accompanies burnout makes it feel impossible for kids and teens to do what they love most. Much like depression, they no longer want to partake in what matters to them because they do not have the energy to engage or give the proper attention.
Mood Swings and Irritability
Yes, all teens are moody, but burnout in teens causes intense mood swings that go beyond general teenage angst or growing pains. Think of how you feel when you’re at your wits’ end and still have so much to do – you are likely quick to snap and anxious. This feeling is amplified in teens who are experiencing burnout.
Mood swings because of burnout may look like changing dramatically from excited to angry or upset, and having outbursts larger than the situation at hand. Overreactions, hard tones, and a general feeling of disdain or cyncism is a common signs of teen burnout.
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Decreased Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Burnout in teens can make children feel ineffectual and worthless. Their talk may suddenly shift to “being a loser” or “not being worth it.” They are internalizing a sense of failure that becomes synospiss their self-identity. This can lead to worsening depression and actions of self-harm to “punish” themselves for their shortcomings.
Listen closely or ask your child how they feel about their school performance or how they show up for friends, family, and in their hobbies. If they describe themselves as not being enough or other negative associations, burnout may be causing symptoms of depression that decrease their self-worth. Do not let burnout continue, especially when your child feels nothing they do is enough or they cannot recover and achieve their goals.
Increased Aches or Illness
The feeling of burnout in teens can turn into physical illness that feels very real to children. They may suddenly complain more of stomachaches or headaches, feeling sore, or experiencing nausea. This is because burnout is a form of stress, and stress can manifest physically in anyone of any age.
Stress and burnout in teens may cause them to feel sick from feeling constantly overwhelmed, sore from consistently tensing their muscles, and nauseous from worrying or changing their eating and sleeping habits. Do not ignore these signs or dismiss them – they could be your first clue your child is experiencing burnout.
Drop in Grades or Performance
Unchecked, teen burnout results in poor concentration, which turns into a drop in grades and overall academic performance. Straight A students may start to receive C’s or even failing marks. Performance in hobbies like sports, band, arts, and more may also start to suffer.
Coaches and other instructors can weigh in if they notice a shift in your child’s involvement, if you’re worried that teen burnout is getting to them. Keep in touch with the other adults in your child’s life and attend practices whenever possible to monitor their dedication. Watching your child for signs of withdrawal could be a quick way to step in and improve the situation.
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What Leads to Burnout
Some academic stress and pressure to perform well is normal for most students, especially those in Howard County’s school system. Bits of stress and anxiety can help families create solutions and coping mechanisms they can use moving forward.
However, burnout is a constant state of fatigue and self-worthlessness, as if they can never catch up or will never be good enough. Monitor your teen’s schedule and workload as they grow up to catch patterns that may lead to teen burnout:
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Academic pressure and heavy workloads
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High expectations in school or extracurriculars
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Poor sleep schedules or eating habits
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Lack of routine and stability
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Lack of balance in scheduling, rest, and recovery
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Over-booked social schedules
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Anxiety around performance and self-worth
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Social media comparisons
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Extended periods of stress
Contact a Local Teen Therapist Near You
The Family Center offers teen and family therapy in Ellicott City to help parents who are worried about teenage burnout in Howard County. We are familiar with the high-pressure academic school system and teens’ desires to perform well to succeed in a good college. We want parents and families to know that some stress is normal, but teenage burnout in Howard County is very real and should not be overlooked.
Call today to learn more about how we can help set better expectations, reduce academic and social pressure, learn how to talk about achievements and setbacks, and work within the school system to prepare for college without the overload of stress and anxiety.
Call Now: (410) 531-5087
Frequently Asked Questions
What is teen burnout and why is it common in Howard County students?
Teen burnout is a form of anxiety and depression caused by ongoing academic and extracurricular pressure. In Howard County, high-performing school systems and expectations for well-rounded achievement can contribute to teens feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin.
What are the most common signs of burnout in teens?
Common signs include constant fatigue, lack of motivation, withdrawal from friends or activities, mood swings, irritability, decreased self-esteem, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, and a noticeable drop in grades or performance.
How is burnout different from normal teenage stress or moodiness?
Normal stress is temporary and manageable, while burnout is persistent. Burnout involves ongoing exhaustion, feelings of worthlessness, emotional overreactions, and difficulty recovering even after rest or breaks.
What factors most often lead to teen burnout?
Key contributors include heavy academic workloads, high expectations, poor sleep or eating habits, lack of balance between activities and rest, overbooked schedules, anxiety around performance, social media comparisons, and prolonged stress.
When should parents seek professional help for teen burnout?
Parents should seek help if burnout symptoms persist, worsen, or affect mental health, self-worth, or daily functioning. Early intervention with a local teen therapist can help restore balance, improve coping skills, and support long-term well-being.