Coping with College Burnout - the Three R Approach
College Success Plan coaches are always on the lookout for burnout in our students. While stress is a common emotion, experienced frequently by college students, burnout refers to an overwhelming amount of stress in a person’s life which comprises the ability to complete daily tasks and meet basic needs. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, as well as other serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As anyone who has dealt with chronic stress knows, it becomes nearly impossible to keep up with academic demands in such a state.
Burnout leads to apathy, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, even illness. Nearly 1/3 of college students recently surveyed reported that they were experiencing burnout, with females experiencing higher levels than males (Gitnux). While stress feels temporary, burnout can feel permanent. It is important to make immediate and sustainable changes in order to turn things around.
Causes of burnout include: neglecting basic needs, poor time management, feeling out of control, inability to set healthy boundaries, taking on too much and holding unrealistically high expectations of oneself.
Symptoms of burnout include: exhaustion, loss of motivation and interest, extreme irritability, feelings of emptiness, absence of joy, depression and anxiety, frequent physical illness and a decline in academic performance.
Treatment for burnout includes: counseling, meditation and relaxation techniques, and major lifestyle changes. These might include creating a regular sleep/eating/exercise schedule, lessening one’s course load, setting more realistic goals and/or developing better communication skills with your academic coach, advisor, professors and/or dean. It is also important for family and friends to be on the lookout for signs of burnout so that they can step in when necessary.
At College Success Plan, we believe in the “Three R” approach to fighting burnout - encouraging students to Recognize the signs, Reverse the damage, and build psychological Resilience. A student’s health, safety and mental health are always the first priority. Don’t suffer in silence - make sure you understand the risks of burnout and have the necessary supports in place to protect yourself. If you think academic stress and poor executive function skills are overwhelming your student, we can help. Schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your student’s particular challenges.