Is Your Teen Running on Empty? Recognizing and Addressing Burnout in Adolescents
Ask most teenagers how they're doing and you'll get a shrug, a "fine," or a distracted glance at their phone. But look a little closer at the dark circles, the irritability, the grades slipping or the sport they used to love feeling like a chore, and a more complicated picture often emerges.
Teen burnout is real, and it's more common than many parents realize. Between academic pressure, college preparation, competitive athletics, social dynamics, and the constant noise of social media, today's adolescents are carrying a lot. When the load gets too heavy and there's no relief in sight, burnout sets in. Not just tiredness, but a deeper kind of depletion that affects motivation, mood, and sense of self.
Stress for Teens Versus Adults
Burnout in teens can look different than burnout in adults. You might notice your teenager becoming more withdrawn or snapping at family over small things. They might start avoiding school, dropping out of activities they once loved, or struggling to complete even basic tasks. Sleep problems are common — either sleeping too much or not enough. Some teens describe feeling "numb" or like they're just going through the motions. It's also worth noting that burnout and ADHD can sometimes look similar. Difficulty focusing, starting tasks, and managing time can be symptoms of chronic stress — but they can also signal an attention issue that's never been properly identified. If your teen has always struggled in these areas and stress seems to be amplifying it, a professional evaluation can offer real clarity.
ADHD TESTING
Our therapist Elizabeth Miller specializes in ADHD testing and can help determine whether your teen's challenges reflect burnout, ADHD, or a combination of both. The good news is that adolescents are remarkably resilient when they have the right support.
Therapy gives teens a space that's entirely their own — not the classroom, not the dinner table, not social media — where they can be honest about how they're really doing. A skilled therapist helps them identify what's draining them, set healthier boundaries, develop coping strategies that actually work, and rediscover a sense of purpose and motivation. As a parent, one of the most powerful things you can do is resist the urge to push through or dismiss what your teen is experiencing. Burnout is not laziness. It's a signal that something needs to change, and often the first step is simply being heard.
At Resolutions Therapy Practice, we work with adolescents throughout Kentucky — in person or via telehealth statewide. Our teen-focused therapists meet young people where they are and help them build the skills they need to navigate the pressures of this stage of life. If your teenager seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or just not themselves, we're here to help. Contact Resolutions Therapy Practice to schedule an adolescent counseling appointment, or look into Family Counseling. Wondering whether ADHD might be playing a role? Ask us about ADHD testing with our therapist Elizabeth Miller .
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