Burnout and emotional crisis share many symptoms, such as exhaustion and loss of motivation.

Article link copied.

September 19, 2025

Burnout vs emotional crisis: A teen-friendly guide

18-year-old Alyona interviews psychotherapist Ani Hovhannisyan about teen mental health

School deadlines, exam stress, pandemic, wars – life can feel overwhelming, and more teenagers than ever are experiencing long-term exhaustion and fatigue.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 worldwide live with a mental health disorder. Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of poor mental health in this age group, setting the foundation for more problems in later life if not addressed.

But what happens when we don’t know exactly what we’re feeling – when it’s hard to tell the difference between just being tired, burnout or something deeper?

To help untangle this, Harbingers’ Magazine spoke to Ani Hovhannisyan, a psychotherapist who specialises in adolescents at the AysTegh Psychological Center in Yerevan, Armenia. She explained the differences between burnout and emotional crisis, what causes them, and how teens can begin to cope.

What is burnout?

Ani Hovhannisyan (AH): Burnout is a psychological condition caused by prolonged stress, often related to school or work. It shows up as emotional and mental exhaustion, loss of motivation and a negative attitude toward things you used to care about.

What is an emotional crisis?

AH: An emotional crisis is a period of intense emotional distress, often connected to trauma, major life changes or developmental transitions. It can be overwhelming and affect how you feel about yourself and your surroundings. These crises may arise naturally during adolescence or be triggered by a specific personal experience.

How are they different?

AH: While burnout and emotional crisis can feel similar, their causes are different.

Burnout is usually the result of long-term stress due to academic or work overload, often with poor time for recovery. An emotional crisis tends to come from a traumatic event, emotional strain or key life transitions, and may not be tied to workload at all.

What are the symptoms?

AH: Burnout and emotional crisis share many symptoms, such as constant tiredness or low energy, lack of motivation or interest, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sadness or numbness, withdrawal from activities or relationships, and negative thoughts about oneself or others.

Isn’t it just tiredness or laziness?

AH: No, it is not. Ordinary tiredness or feeling unmotivated now and then is normal and usually goes away after some rest.

However, burnout and emotional crisis don’t go away easily, even with sleep or a weekend off. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected or overwhelmed for days or weeks, it could be a deeper emotional or psychological issue.

What are the causes?

Armenian psychotherapist Ani Hovhannisyan.

Picture courtesy of: Ani Hovhannisyan

AH: For many teens, these challenges begin with emotional or cognitive overload – when their brain and feelings have to deal with more than they can handle. This can happen in many ways.

Some teens are under intense pressure to succeed in school, sometimes while also juggling part-time work or caregiving responsibilities. Others, simply don’t have enough time to rest, enjoy hobbies or spend time with friends. In some cases, a teen may live in an unstable or unsafe environment, face constant conflict within their family, or deal with illness – either their own or a loved one’s.

Other teens are affected by trauma, bullying, violence or conflict. Some struggle with understanding their identity, especially if they feel unsupported or misunderstood.

Major events such as war or forced displacement can dramatically change a teenager’s worldview. Many feel that their lives have been divided into a ‘before’ and ‘after’ – the world no longer feels safe, and the future can feel uncertain or unreachable.

The way teens respond to these experiences can vary widely. Some may shut down emotionally or withdraw from others. Others may act out, become nervous or restless, or struggle to control their behaviour. Some teens may suddenly seem much younger in how they act, while others feel like they’ve been forced to grow up too quickly, taking on adult responsibilities overnight.

Burnout, in particular, is often seen among teens who are involved in structured, high-pressure environments.

This is especially true for those who regularly take on emotional or practical responsibilities for others, such as helping their family or supporting friends.

Can you deal with it alone?

Some teenagers are able to manage these emotional states with the help of friends, family or their own inner resources. But unlike adults – who typically have more life experience, self-awareness and developed coping skills – teenagers are still learning how to manage their emotional world. That’s why these feelings can often hit harder, and why support is so important.

There are some signs that suggest a teen might need additional support. If emotional instability lasts for a long time or if a teen starts having serious difficulties at school (academically or otherwise), withdrawing from loved ones, getting into frequent arguments or acting out in aggressive or risky ways, these are clear indicators that the teen might need help beyond what family or school can provide.

In these cases, a mental health professional – such as a psychologist or school counsellor – can provide the tools and support needed to cope and recover.

What can you do if you feel this way?

The first step is simply trying to understand what’s happening. Talking about it can help – whether with a parent, older sibling, teacher, or another adult you trust. Many adults have experienced similar feelings and can offer support, guidance or just a listening ear. Knowing that you’re not alone can be a big relief.

Sometimes I just want to do nothing – and that should be OK

By Lola Kadas

But if speaking to someone close feels too difficult or uncomfortable, it’s completely OK to seek help from someone outside your circle. Speaking with a school counsellor, therapist or psychologist may be easier because the relationship feels more neutral and less personal. It’s not unusual to need a space that feels free of judgement or emotional pressure.

Some teenagers try to make sense of their emotions through social mediaor online tools, including AI. While these can sometimes offer useful insights, the information is often unreliable and shouldn’t be your only resource. What most teens really need is human connection – someone who will listen and help them process what they’re going through.

Opening up, even to one person, can be the beginning of real healing. Whether you’re burnt out, in crisis or just overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through it on your own.

Written by:

Alyona Sargsyan

Writer

Armavir, Armenia

Born in 2006 in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh, Alyona Sargsyan was displaced to Armenia in the autumn of 2023 and is now living in Armavir, Armenia. She is a volunteer at “Culture and Entertainment” group at “Armenian Progressive Youth” NGO and at “Mental Health Awareness Initiative” NGO, where she translates from English to Armenian. She is also a Volunteer board member in “Aralez” Scout in Yerevan.

She is interested in English, communications, journalism, different types of volunteering, event organizing, leadership roles and public speaking. She plans to study at the American University of Armenia.

Alyona is part of Harbingers’ Magazine’s Armenian Newsroomand writes about Artsakh, focusing on its people’s challenges due to wars, blockades, and forced displacement.

In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, consuming educational content, and volunteering. She is also passionate about trying new things or exploring different fields, also about learning foreign languages and plans to learn Italian and Spanish.

Alyona speaks Armenian, Russian and English.

Edited by:

Charlotte Wejchert

Human Rights Section Editor 2025

Monaco

armenian newsroom