Is burnout becoming more common?
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Burnout is increasingly affecting young individuals across various sectors, highlighting a growing concern for mental health in both personal and professional realms. The article underscores this issue through the experiences of Laviai Nielsen, a successful athlete who felt mentally, emotionally, and physically drained after achieving peak career milestones, and Mimi Abbas, a university graduate struggling with job prospects and work-life balance. Both stories illustrate how burnout can manifest due to unmanageable workloads, pressure, and societal expectations.
The narrative delves into the broader context of why burnout is becoming more prevalent among younger generations. Economic uncertainties, such as an uncertain job market and the rise of AI threatening entry-level roles, contribute significantly to stress levels. Additionally, young workers often face pressures both inside and outside the workplace, complicating their ability to achieve traditional career milestones like homeownership.
Mental health organizations emphasize that while younger individuals are more vocal about mental health awareness, many still struggle in silence. The article highlights that 64% of those aged 18-24 report stress due to financial worries, with university students particularly affected by underemployment and low-paying jobs. These challenges leave many feeling demotivated and drained, as seen in Mimi Abbas's experience, where she had to withdraw her house savings and reduce her work hours to prioritize mental well-being.
The importance of addressing burnout lies in its societal impact on productivity, innovation, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs early, as Laviai Nielsen did by taking a three-month break, can prevent long-term consequences and promote healthier work-life balance. This issue resonates globally, urging governments and organizations to prioritize mental health support for young workers.
In conclusion, burnout is not just an individual problem but a societal one, affecting economic stability and personal well-being. Addressing its root causes through policy changes and workplace reforms can foster healthier environments, enabling younger generations to thrive without sacrificing their mental health.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026