It’s no secret that college students experience stress daily, it wouldn’t be college without it.
However, when does too much become that? According to the National College Health Assessment, 80% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed, and 40% reported difficulty functioning.
Many symptoms of burnout are similar among students; however, the triggers are different.
Nadia Buggs, an actuarial science student at Florida A&M University, notices certain signs when she starts to feel burnout.
“I currently am going through one at the moment and it’s very noticeable and draining,” Buggs said. “Some signs I’ve noticed is the lack of motivation to finish anything, not expressing my feelings, an immense feeling of stress which is noticeable since I don’t usually get stressed and sleeping all the time.”
How often do burnouts occur among students? What are some patterns professors are witnessing among their students?
Debra Lewis, one of the computer science academic advisers at FAMU, says the fall semester is one of those burnout periods.
“The most common periods where I notice students have become stressed or absent-minded the most is during the fall semesters, especially with younger students such as freshmen,” Lewis said., “Being away from home and taking their account of time management, involvement with many activities during the fall semesters can become overwhelming. The stress comes into play with remaining academically focused and juggling extracurricular activities.”
In April of 2022, professors at Doane University in Nebraska had the misfortune of having burnout students in their classrooms. According to an article written by Beth McMutrie in The Chronicle, Professor Kate Marley described this epoch as “stunning.” She quotes, “I don’t seem to be capable of motivating them to read textbooks or complete assignments.” Attempting to maintain an academic and social life as well as activities can be challenging for most students. The pressure to have it all together can become over-stimulating.
Uranie Jean Pierre, a risk management insurance student at Florida State University, has experienced burnout fever five times in the past school year alone.
“Whenever I’m in the process of joining an organization or when I’m anxious about an exam,” Jean Pierre said.
Even through the long nights and migraines, how do students remain sane through the chaos?
Justyn Grant, an architectural studies student at FAMU, has self-care mechanisms when burnout gets too much.
“I’ve taken up the gym pretty consistently and it’s been working wonders,” said Grant. “Personal time is a must when I feel that way and then of course hanging out with my friends or my girl helps as well.”
As alone as the feeling may be, thousands of students are experiencing the same emotions, symptoms and triggers of burnout.
When it becomes too intense, FAMU offers Counseling Services in the CASS Building. Contact 850-599-3145 to make an appointment.