College Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

College burnout, much like hitting a wall, affects many students during their academic journey. Instead of a wall made of bricks, it's a wall made of books and assignment deadlines. Continually facing this can leave you stressed, fatigued, and unmotivated, making you question why you chose to go to college in the first place. This blog explores what college burnout is, how it differs from stress, and effective ways to manage and overcome it.

What is College Burnout?

Originally studied in social service workers, burnout was recognised by the WHO in 2019 as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ that can affect any occupation. While being a student may not be a professional role, for many, it is equivalent to having a full-time job. Alongside coursework, students often juggle extracurricular activities, socializing, and managing relationships, usually without the built-in support of their families. This overwhelming mix can lead to burnout, marked by exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency.

Symptoms of College Burnout:

- Exhaustion: Burnout leaves you feeling constantly tired, dragging yourself through the day with little energy.
- Cynicism: It can make you feel pessimistic and question the value of your academic efforts.
- Inefficiency: Burnout can make you feel less capable and unable to keep up with coursework, turning manageable tasks into insurmountable challenges.

Dealing with College Burnout

Since burnout starts with stress, let’s first look at stress management strategies.

Self-Care Tips:

- Find Your Self-Care Routine: Self-care varies for everyone. Whether it’s taking bubble baths, wearing your favourite tutu, or singing ABBA, find what relaxes you and make it a regular part of your routine.
- Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is crucial for stress management. If you're struggling with sleep, check out resources like Matthew Walker's work on sleep.
- Take Breaks: Occasionally step away from your books. Avoid turning breaks into prolonged procrastination.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise can relieve stress and improve mood. Scientists have found that the 'runner’s high' results from natural endocannabinoids in our system.

Studies show a difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Adaptive strategies tackle issues head-on, while maladaptive strategies avoid them. Evaluate your coping strategies and ensure they help you address, rather than avoid, your stressors.

Burnout-Specific Solutions:

To address burnout, it’s crucial to tackle both motivation and social support.

Reignite Your Motivation:

- Remember Your Goals: Reflect on why you started your college journey and reconnect with your aspirations.
- Engage with Support Networks: Family and friends can provide a listening ear, offer advice, and help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Seek Social Support:

- Be Honest: Talk to family and friends about your struggles. Honest expression in a supportive environment can relieve pressure.
- Engage with College Resources: Utilise professors, lecturers, and college mental health services. Engage, don’t isolate, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Professional Support: If needed, consider seeking therapy. Our specialist clinicians are experienced in supporting students and addressing burnout.

Overcoming college burnout requires tackling stress, reigniting internal motivation, and seeking external support. With a clear sense of purpose and a supportive network, you can navigate college challenges and emerge stronger. Remember, the skills you develop in managing burnout will benefit you throughout your career. Keep a sense of humour and prioritise self-care.

At Centric Mental Health, we have specialist clinicians experienced in helping students manage college burnout. Our team provides compassionate care tailored to your needs. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to us by calling us on 01 611 1719 or by emailing [email protected]

Note: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.