What exactly is burnout among students? Why is it becoming so widespread?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a condition with three main components:- Emotional exhaustion: feeling completely worn out and unable to face another day of work/lecture.
- Being cynical or depersonalization: feeling disconnected from our studies or losing interest in things you used to care about.
- Reduced sense of accomplishment: feeling like no matter how hard you work, you’re not getting anywhere or achieving anything meaningful.
Why is it common?
1. Academic pressureThe pressure to achieve good grades and excel in every subject can be overwhelming. Many students may feel that they need to be great in their studies to succeed, leading them to overcommit and take on too much while in uni. This relentless pursuit of excellence may result in long hours of studying, little sleep and little time for relaxation or socialising.
To make matters worse, the competitive academic environment may add to the stress as students constantly compare themselves to their peers. The fear of falling behind can create a cycle of anxiety and burnout. The lack of adequate support systems such as stress management programs or counselling services, can leave students feeling isolated.
2. Social media influence
Social media also plays a significant role in how students perceive themselves and their success. Constantly being bombarded with the curated lives of others – achievements, perfect study routines, and effortless success, can make students feel inadequate. This constant comparison can lead to stress and worsen feelings of burnout.
3. Lack of Study-Life Balance
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal life is important, although it is also difficult. Many struggle to find time for relaxation, hobbies or to simply take a break. The feeling of always being “on” can be draining.
4. Issues in The Education System
Large class sizes, less personalised attention from teachers and limited access to mental health resources can make it harder for students to cope with stress. When students feel unsupported or even isolated, they are more likely to experience burnout.
What can you do?
If you recognise these signs in yourself, or someone else, please take action. These practical steps can help manage and even prevent burnout.
a. Prioritize self-care
Make time for activities that recharge you. Whether it is exercising, having hobbies or simply getting that much-needed sleep. Self-care is not selfish but a necessity for your well-being.
b. Set realistic goals
Set achievable goals and be mindful of not overburdening yourself. You can do this by breaking tasks into smaller steps and focusing on what you can realistically accomplish.
c. Practice mindfulness
Meditation, yoga or even deep breathing can help manage stress while keeping you grounded. Even a few minutes a day can help reduce anxiety and prevent burnout.
d. Learn to say ‘no’
It’s okay to decline additional responsibilities especially when you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Learning to say ‘no’ is a step forward to managing stress.
e. Seek support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counsellor, family or friends if you’re struggling. Sometimes, just talking to someone and letting it off your chest so to speak, makes a big difference.
Managing Burnout
If we learn how to manage current cases of burnout and start practising preventive measures now then we can avoid burning ourselves later on. Early identification of red flags, creating achievable targets and practising self-care can help students remain well and continue to thrive in their studies.
If by any chance, you still find it difficult to manage all the going-ons in your life, seek help. The Student Counselling and Support unit under the Student Engagement department offers discreet support and counselling services to the campus community. If you need someone to talk to, the counselling team can be reached via email at ecounselling@swnburne.edu.my