Unfinished homework and assignments pile up. Students doze off in class. Late nights turn into early mornings, and exhaustion sets in—mentally and physically. Welcome to high school burnout. 

Having extracurricular activities, academic pressure, social expectations, and chores to do at home are just some of the many reasons why students are burnt out. 

Burnout among teens is not just common – it is becoming the norm. Students today face increasing pressure to succeed, especially those enrolled in advanced courses. Defined as a state of chronic mental and physical exhaustion, burnout stems from prolonged stress, often driven by a heavy academic load, extracurricular commitments, and expectations at home and school.

Crown Counseling cites recent studies showing that 55.16% of college students who face academic pressure experience burnout symptoms, while 20.5% experience more severe burnout.

According to Naperville Counseling, many high-achieving students struggle to balance multiple AP and honors classes with extracurriculars and daily responsibilities. This pressure has led to an uptick in severe burnout cases.

“When I was a junior I was studying for the SAT and my two AP exams at the same time and sometimes I wouldn’t sleep til 1 am. All that work just for me to get an 1120 on the SAT. During this time I was in the worst mood of my life, I was so irritated and depressed the whole time. Academic burnout definitely got to me,” senior Leslie Vargas said.

That cycle of constant stress and lack of sleep is all too familiar for many students. They are drained, frustrated, and mentally exhausted from the demands placed on them. Yet it is all worth it to get into a good college and succeed, right?

Sure – parents would be proud. But parental pressure also plays a significant role in student stress. Research shows that it can lead to anxiety, avoidance, behavioral issues, and declining mental health.

“Ultimately, most parents simply want the best for their children. But in our achievement-obsessed culture, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters for kids’ long-term happiness and well-being,” Dr. Carly Claney, psychologist, via Relational Psych, said. “Pushing them to live up to an idealized vision of success often does more harm than good.”

Some parents expect their children to succeed academically at all costs, often aiming for perfect grades on every report card. But pressure without communication can have dangerous consequences. According to Claney, parental pressure may lead to underperformance in school, social withdrawal, and mental and physical health issues. Even well-meaning encouragement can become overwhelming when students feel their worth is tied to achievement.

“Parents can help to avoid or minimize burnout by helping to create and monitor healthy habits that support our brain and influence how we feel. Remember, that even as our kids are seeming older and more mature (mostly) by the day, you’re still the parent, and helping to guide them to balance is still needed at this age,” the experts at Brain Balance said.

The pressure to succeed – whether from parents, schools, or society – pushes students past their limits. But at what cost? Burnout is not just stress – it goes beyond that; it is a crisis impacting students’ mental and physical health. Teenage burnout should be more openly acknowledged and addressed in both high schools and colleges. Early recognition could lead to systems of support that truly make a difference.

So what can be done to help students recover and prevent burnout from taking over?

• Schools should limit homework loads or implement mental health breaks. Limiting excessive homework, implementing mental health days, and creating space for recovery could help students manage stress without sacrificing their education.

• Parents should prioritize students’ well-being over grades. Students may have more motivation and confidence if they are being acknowledged by their parents. They will perform better when they feel supported – not judged by their report cards.

• Students should set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Setting boundaries, practicing time management, and prioritizing self-care are essential. Students should learn to recognize when they need a break and give themselves permission to take it—whether that means spending time with family, going for a walk, or just listening to music.

Burnout does not mean failure – it is a signal. And if schools, parents, and students work together to listen and respond, it’s a crisis we can overcome.