Is burnout becoming more common? It's a question that many young people are asking, especially after hearing stories like Laviai Nielsen's. But here's where it gets controversial: is burnout even real? Let's dive in and explore this complex issue, and find out how to prevent it.
The Rising Trend of Burnout
You've just won two Olympic medals, reached the peak of your career, and are the strongest you've ever been. But what if that's not enough? Laviai Nielsen, a 29-year-old sprinter from Team GB, felt burnt out after the 2024 Paris Olympics. She explains, "It would take all of my energy to even get out of bed and get to the track. It felt very unnatural for me to think: 'Hold on, I need to slow down.'"
But Nielsen isn't alone. Young people are reporting burnout for a range of reasons, including unmanageable workloads and pressure. Some are even pushing back key milestones, like saving for a house. The charity Mental Health UK describes burnout as "a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion" that can build up over time, making it difficult to recognize.
The Impact of Burnout
Burnout isn't just a feeling of being tired; it can have serious consequences. University students, like Mimi Abbas, are struggling with life after graduation. "You know that you only have a month left of your degree and nothing in you has the spark or motivation to just carry on," she says. After a difficult period of job hunting, Abbas landed a job in the events industry, but found it "tiring with long hours."
Dr Becca Salmon, who left her NHS job, also experienced burnout. "I look back on videos and pictures of myself from when I was working as a doctor and I look so unwell," she says. Her video about quitting her role sparked a big reaction, and she now feels better after taking time to recover.
The Root Causes of Burnout
While burnout can affect anyone, younger workers aged 18 to 24 are particularly vulnerable. University students, like Hannah Paskin, are struggling to find graduate-level jobs, leading to low-paid, non-career-oriented roles. The Mental Health UK report highlights that younger workers are facing pressures both inside and outside of work, with an uncertain job market where AI is seen as a threat to some entry-level roles.
Preventing Burnout
So, how can we prevent burnout? Paskin suggests getting breathing space from stress, which can restore energy. Nielsen is doing just that, and is back to training with rest as her top priority. "Rest is not laziness. It's a necessity," she says. By making sure to nourish herself away from the track, Nielsen has found a better balance.
In conclusion, burnout is a serious issue that can affect anyone, but there are steps we can take to prevent it. By recognizing the signs and taking action, we can ensure that burnout doesn't become the end of our journey.
