Kennesaw State students continue to be affected by academic burnout resulting in poor work, fragile emotional states and lack of self-care.
Stress related to class work and exams is unavoidable, but some students tend to overwork themselves. Studying and cramming constantly is not good for anyone’s brain, and not giving oneself a break creates brain fog and a lower chance of retaining information. Sometimes this phenomenon becomes consistent and long-term in which severe mental and emotional consequences arise.
Leah Rockwell from Choosing Therapy defines academic burnout as “a state of chronic stress or exhaustion many college students may feel as a result of the many demands they face.”
Some common symptoms of burnout that Rockwell mentions are mental fatigue, lack of interest in activities, loss of motivation, poor academic performance and feelings of depression and anxiety. She goes on to discuss some causes, some of which are a social disconnect, high expectations, financial stress and post-graduation uncertainty.
Thankfully, preventative measures can be taken. In an article written by Ashley Wallis from Southern New Hampshire University, three key steps are outlined. Wallis says that time management, self-care and realistic expectations are at the forefront when it comes to stopping academic burnout. Overscheduling and taking too many classes or extracurriculars can quickly wear a student down. For this reason, setting limits and boundaries is crucial.
Recovering from academic burnout is also a part of this process. University of the People says there are several coping mechanisms and mindful practices such as seeking help from a professional, not ignoring symptoms and signs, making important lifestyle changes and managing stress efficiently. Academic burnout is a real and valid mental state and condition. If it goes untreated, it can continue to get worse. This could cause a severe decline in academic performance as well as a complete loss of motivation.
Academic burnout presents itself in a plethora of ways. Many may feel a lack of control as if they cannot do anything to get their grades back up or focus on the subject at hand; however, if one identifies these symptoms, uses preventative techniques and focuses on recovery, this problem can be handled adequately and quickly.
