Burnout is being reported more often among young people

Young people and athletes have reported burnout, and Mental Health UK found 39% of 18–24-year-olds took time off for stress in 2025.

Several young people and some high‑profile athletes have described experiencing burnout after intense periods of work or competition. Laviai Nielsen told BBC Newsbeat she felt emotionally and mentally burnt out after the 2024 Paris Olympics and took a three‑month break. Mental Health UK reported that 39% of workers aged 18 to 24 took time off for stress in 2025 and defines burnout as a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Those interviewed and experts point to pressures such as heavy workloads, money worries and aspects of digital life as contributing factors. Key reported findings: - Laviai Nielsen, a Team GB sprinter, described being unable to summon energy to train after the 2024 Paris Olympics and paused her schedule for three months. - Mental Health UK reported 39% of 18–24-year-olds took time off for stress in 2025 and described burnout as physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. - Interviewees and clinicians cited unmanageable workloads, financial strain and an uncertain job market, including concerns about AI and entry‑level roles, as pressures linked to burnout. - Several people featured said they took breaks, changed work patterns, or reduced commitments and described gradual recovery, with timelines varying. Summary: Reports and survey data indicate burnout is commonly reported among young people and some athletes, connected to work, financial pressures and aspects of digital life. Some individuals in the coverage took breaks or changed roles and described gradual improvement; broader trends and policy or workplace responses are undetermined at this time.