How Burned-Out Millennials Are Overcoming Challenges with Therapy
We’ve all seen the headlines about burnout among millennials – whether due to a demanding work culture, high expectations set by society, or both.
Young professionals, in particular, feel pressure to reach their goals while dealing with everyday anxieties and stress. Many are turning to therapy as a way to cope and improve their mental health.
Recent research shows that young professionals struggle to manage their time effectively, often setting themselves up for burnout. Burned-out millennials feel overwhelmed and exhausted, making it difficult to focus on meaningful tasks or enjoy life.
Fortunately, many have discovered that therapy can provide a long-term solution rather than turning to temporary self-medication.
Why Are Millennials Burning Out So Fast?
Young professionals have reported feeling pressure to succeed and juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
42% of this “Burnout Generation” reported feeling some level of burnout in their professional and personal lives. Many feel they need to keep up with the competition while still struggling to meet their own goals, leading to anxiety and burnout.
Burnout - defined by the American Psychological Association as “an extended period of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion” - can be caused by stress, lack of sleep or rest, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. It can also lead to depression or anxiety if not appropriately addressed.
While each individuals experience of burnout is different, there are some common themes:
1. Overwhelming Life Stress
Many millennials feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they need to complete, whether due to a job or personal commitments.
A Deloitte study found that 44% of those identified as “millennials” reported high stress and anxiety levels in nearly every aspect of their lives. Financial obligations, new family responsibilities, and the constant need to prove themselves can lead to extreme stress.
This can lead to an inability to focus on any single task and feeling anxious when faced with a challenging situation. A common symptom of burnout is an inability to prioritize tasks or feeling too overwhelmed to even start them.
2. Overwork & Unattainable Expectations
Millennials tend to see themselves as more ambitious or productive than their predecessors. While hard work can be a valuable life skill, this mindset can lead to feeling like every spare moment needs to be filled with productivity.
And this culture of overwork is only getting worse. Nearly 73% admit to working at least 50 hours or more a week - often far more than possible for a healthy work-life balance.
Constant overwork can lead to exhaustion and a lack of joy or enthusiasm for tasks that should be enjoyable. This is especially true when millennials are expected to maintain a work-life balance while trying to meet their standards and goals.
3. A Lack of Support Structures
Millennials may also lack the support they need from friends or family members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, “quiet quitting” rose to new heights as individuals left their roles due to overwhelming stress and a lack of healthy support from peers or management.
Without a supportive network, it can be difficult to process emotions or ask for help when needed. That can leave millennials feeling helpless and alone without a trusted confidant to turn to.
How Can Therapy Help Overcome Burnout?
Therapy can help young professionals identify the root of their burnout and develop strategies to manage it.
Working with a therapist can provide a safe space to explore emotions, build self-awareness, and gain insight into your own patterns of thought and behavior. It’s an opportunity to process thoughts, discuss problems, and develop better coping mechanisms.
Therapy can also help young professionals learn to better care of themselves and develop healthy habits. This includes getting enough sleep, taking regular breaks, and learning to set boundaries that work for them.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced lifestyle that offers both rest and productivity in equal measure. That way, millennials can have enough energy to meet their goals without sacrificing their mental health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help managing your burnout, consider reaching out to a therapist and exploring how therapy can help you regain balance. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to overcome burnout - so don’t hesitate to get the help you need.
Do you need to speak with a skilled therapist and psychoeducational specialist about burnout and other mental health issues? Consider contacting Dr. Wynne for New Orleans Therapy and Therapist services for millennials and young professionals. At my practice, I offer various services to help young professionals better manage their mental health and well-being - and end burnout.
The road to recovery starts with a conversation - and I am here to listen. Schedule an appointment today and discover how therapy can help you overcome burnout and build a healthier, happier life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eileen Wynne
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