As a teen in Vaughan, everyone warns you about the stress, the deadlines, and the pressure to figure out your future. But what we don’t talk about enough is how deeply all of that affects our mental health. Many teens feel burnout and need your support. Avoiding teen burnout is possible … just not easy.
Between applying to post secondary programs or jobs, trying to keep our grades up, and still trying to enjoy senior year, it’s the reason why so many of us are burned out before we even graduate.
It’s more than just stress
Yes, stress is normal but what I and so many others are feeling is way more than just being “busy”. It’s like we’re in this constant state of exhaustion and anxiety. Some days, I stare at a blank screen for hours trying to start an assignment that used to take me 20 minutes. Other days, I feel disconnected from everything and everyone. And I’m not exaggerating. A 2023 CAMH survey found that 38 percent of students rate their mental health as fair or poor, while 37 percent reported experiencing elevated stress levels.
Understanding Teen Burnout
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s also emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged stress.
- Feeling drained.
- Dreading school and things we used to enjoy.
- Struggling to stay motivated.
- Distancing from friends and family.
When motivation disappears, things get even harder. This blog article explains motivation in a way that makes sense.
Why don’t we talk about this more?
Part of the issue is that it’s normalized. “Of course you’re stressed, it’s Grade 12” is heard by many of us. But just because something is common doesn’t mean its healthy or should be ignored.
Students often do not have enough time, tools, or support to take care of their mental health. Most of us are not taught how to manage stress, how to balance having multiple assignments, or how to ask for help when things feel like too much.
What Students Actually Need
Here’s what would make a real difference and help us:
- More accessible mental health supports in schools
- Mental health days
- Teachers checking in and not having unrealistic expectations.
Final thoughts
If you’re a senior feeling overwhelmed and drained, you’re not alone. You’re just trying to keep up with a lot while barely being supported. That’s not your fault. We need to create a space to be honest, and to take care of ourselves and others.Because making it to graduation shouldn’t mean burning out on the way there.
