You’re Not Behind—You’re Burned Out: How to Recognize School Stress and What to Do About It

If your teen or college student seems checked out, irritable, or overwhelmed—even when they’re doing “fine” on paper—they might be dealing with academic burnout. And it’s not about laziness or lack of motivation. It’s often about pressure, perfectionism, and exhaustion.

School stress can be intense, especially for students juggling high expectations, mental health challenges, and major life transitions. Therapy can help them get back in touch with themselves, not just their to-do list.

Signs of Academic Burnout in Teens and Young Adults

Burnout isn’t just being tired, it’s mental, emotional, and physical depletion. Signs include:

• Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated

• Feeling dread or anxiety about schoolwork

• Increased irritability, isolation, or emotional outbursts

• Procrastination paired with guilt

• Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue

• Saying “I just don’t care anymore,” but clearly feeling overwhelmed

If you’ve noticed a shift in your teen or student’s mood, engagement, or self-esteem, it’s worth paying attention.

What Causes School Burnout?

Some common contributors include:

• High academic pressure or perfectionism

• Fear of failure or disappointing others

• Social anxiety or friendship struggles

• Learning differences that go undiagnosed

• Mental health issues like anxiety or depression

• Feeling unsupported, invisible, or “not good enough”

Burnout often hides behind good grades or a strong front. Many students don’t ask for help until they’re already shutting down.

How Therapy Supports Students and Their Parents

Therapy gives students a space to:

• Name and process their stress without judgment

• Reframe perfectionism and explore what actually matters

• Learn coping tools for anxiety, pressure, and procrastination

• Explore identity, goals, and what success means to them

• Rebuild emotional energy—not just academic output

And for parents? Therapy helps shift from panic or power struggles to communication, support, and clarity.

Work With Jennifer Anyaugo, RMHCI

Jennifer supports middle school, high school, and college-age students navigating stress, identity, and major transitions. Her warm, encouraging style helps students reconnect with their strengths, while offering tools that work both in and outside the classroom.

Jennifer offers virtual therapy across Florida for students and families seeking support that truly meets them where they are.

Burnout Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing; It Means You’ve Been Carrying Too Much Alone.

Let therapy be a place where students can rest, reset, and rediscover what success looks like for them.

Book a consultation with Jennifer today.