A lot of young adults are running on empty right before they become grownups. A lot of people in their 20s are dealing with burnout, which is a state of being physically, mentally, and emotionally drained from being under a lot of stress for a long time. Burnout is different from regular exhaustion since it affects every part of life and makes people feel empty and disconnected.
Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra, who is in charge of neurosciences at Medanta in Gurugram, said that burnout is “a sustained state of stress” that might have bad effects if not handled.
“Burnout used to be a problem for people in their mid-career, but now it’s happening more and more to people in their early twenties.” Dr. Mehrotra remarked, “Many young adults are becoming adults already feeling mentally drained, emotionally overwhelmed, and physically worn out.”
A Worrying Trend Among Gen Z
A research published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology in May 2025 found that Indian youth aged 18 to 32 are generally moderately burned out. However, those aged 18 to 27 are much more burned out than their older colleagues.
Dr. Mehrotra calls this a “major crisis” and says that young individuals are starting their careers already under a lot of stress.
Why are young adults getting burned out?
Dr. Mehrotra says that young adults get burned out because of a mix of overlapping stressors, such as:
High expectations for school and work
A difference between what people want and what they can do at work
Stress from money and job loss
Too much time spent on social media and being always connected to the internet
Uncertainty in the world and being alone
Workplaces that are toxic and where personal boundaries are not clear
He stated, “For Gen Z, especially in India, the combination of financial stress, bad work environments, too much digital information, and career expectations that don’t match is making mental health a very important issue.”
6 Signs That You Are Burned Out
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Tiredness that doesn’t go away after resting
Hard to focus
Irritability or mood swings
Not wanting to do things you usually do or losing interest in them
Problems with sleep
Headaches or problems with digestion are examples of physical symptoms.
6 Ways to Avoid and Deal with Burnout
- Put rest and recuperation first
Make rest a priority, not a choice. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of good sleep every night. - Make rules for your digital life
To keep your mind from getting too tired, take breaks from screens, limit your use of social media, and turn off notifications that aren’t important. - Keep your body healthy
Regular exercise, healthy food, and staying hydrated all help with focus and emotional stability. - Make friends who will help you
Keep in touch with your family, friends, and mentors. Emotional support is a significant buffer against fatigue and loneliness. - Seek help first
Therapy or counseling can help you find ways to deal with stress and stop burnout from turning into anxiety or depression. - Change what success means
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- Get over the culture of hustle. Success should not only mean making money or being productive, but also being mentally healthy, having balance, and growing as a person. Note to readers: This material is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please get in touch with a certified mental health practitioner if you or someone you know is having trouble with burnout or mental health issues.