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by Melanie Haniph | Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Some students hit their stride in the spring semester, while others are still finding their footing. Either way, your student may be experiencing signs of burnout. 

Burnout can be difficult to identify and challenging to treat. However, families play a vital role in helping students potentially avoid it and stay grounded.

The Reality of Student Burnout

Burnout is a widespread challenge among students, even those who appear to be doing well academically. And it’s more common than you might think. For example, a third of US college students surveyed by Gallup said they’ve recently considered withdrawing from their program, with half citing emotional stress and mental health as the top reasons. 

Additionally, The Chronicle of Higher Education recently highlighted how the pressure to “always be networking” adds a new layer of stress for many students. This constant expectation to build connections (for school and their future) can feel overwhelming and push students closer to burnout.

What Burnout Can Look Like in Students

Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown. It can surface when the pressure starts to chip away at your student’s energy, leaving them feeling pulled in too many directions. 

According to experts, a student experiencing burnout might:

• Lose motivation or interest in things they once enjoyed
• Have trouble focusing or finishing tasks
• Feel emotionally exhausted or easily irritable
• Experience physical fatigue, even after a good night of sleep
• Pull away from school-related conversations

5 Ways Families Can Help

Your student doesn’t need a full life overhaul to feel better. Here are some ideas for providing support, even when they’re far from home:

1. Encourage reflection. Carving out time to process what’s working and what’s overwhelming brings calm to a stressful situation. Sometimes, a simple journal helps them name their stressors and reconnect with themselves.

2. Offer comfort and validation. Offering reassurance by acknowledging their effort goes a long way, even if it’s as simple as “I see how hard you’re trying.” You can also remind them that their mental health matters and that taking time for self‑care is a must.

3. Brainstorm ways to set boundaries. Talk about ways they can protect their energy, for example, by saying no to extra commitments, even ones they genuinely enjoy, like helping with a club event or taking on another leadership role.

4. Suggest new social connections. Your student might enjoy peer mentoring or community volunteering to build supportive networks that feel meaningful and manageable.

5. Encourage unconventional ways to recharge. Different approaches work for different people. Your student might be willing to try something like sound therapy, guided imagery, or even volunteering with animals, all of which provide a unique sense of calm and perspective.

Final Thought

Burnout isn’t always about doing too much; it’s also the result of trying to handle so much alone. When your student knows they don’t have to carry it all by themselves, the year can be not just survivable but a source of joy.

Melanie Haniph is a writer and mom of two who helped guide her kids through the college planning journey to their top‑choice schools. She built College Admissions for Parents to help other families manage the emotion and uncertainty that come with supporting their kids through the college prep process. Her signature resources include the College Visit Companion, the self-paced video roadmap series From Freshman Year to Acceptance, and a collection of free planning tools created just for parents.