By Gabrielle Fortin

Publié le 16 juin 2026

Every morning, hundreds of college students walk into class already exhausted. It is not surprising anymore to hear someone say, “I did not sleep” or “I am overwhelmed.”  

Burnout is a state of extreme tiredness caused by too much stress over a long period of time. Student burnout has become so common that it almost feels normal. However, this normalization hides a serious issue.   

Students today are more burned out than before due to academic pressure, constant digital stimulation, and uncertainty about the future. 

First, academic research shows that student burnout is rising significantly. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. 

In addition, a study published by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) shows that many students experience high levels of psychological distress, including stress and anxiety. This suggests that burnout can begin even before college. Compared to previous generations, students now face higher expectations and intense competition.  

I asked two college students about their experience. Both agreed that stress is higher than before. Léa explains, “There is always something due, and I never really have a break,” while Rebeca said she often feels overwhelmed, especially during exam periods.  

They both identified deadlines and academic pressures as the main causes of stress. Léa also mentioned that the lack of time makes it difficult to complete everything without feeling exhausted.  

Overall, both believe that burnout is more common today because of constant pressure and not enough time to rest.  

Student burnout is a real problem that many students live every day, including me. As a college student, I often feel stressed trying to manage exams, homework, and sometimes work at the same time. 

Many other students experience the same situation, especially during busy weeks when several deadlines and exams appended at the same time. It becomes difficult to stay motivated and to get enough sleep.  

Moreover, students are constantly on their phone, which makes it harder to relax and disconnect from school. Because of this, stress builds up quickly and can lead to burnout.  

Schools should offer a more balanced workload and provide more support for student’s mental health.  

In conclusion, student burnout is a growing problem that affects many students today, including me. Academic pressure and lack of time make it harder for students to stay motivated and healthy.  

As shown in research and interview, many students feel overwhelmed and exhausted. It is important for schools to take this issue seriously by offering better support and more balanced workload.  

BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/ontario-youth-experiencing-increasing-levels-of-psychological-distress-and-inability-to-cope

More than half of students report moderate to serious psychological distress, showing a major increase in stress levels among youth.  

https://univcan.ca/our-work/promoting-mental-health/ 

89% of students feels overwhelmed by their responsibilities, and many say their mental health affects their academic performance.  

https://calgaryjournal.ca/2025/12/13/exhausted-and-overwhelmed-canadian-university-students-face-high-levels-of-academic-burnout/#:~:text=Universities%20Canada%20reported%20that%2089,affected%20by%20their%20mental%20health 

Students face stress from financial pressure, academic workload, and uncertainty about their future.  

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240910/dq240910a-eng.htm

About 1 in 5 young people reported a decline in their mental health between 2019 and 2023.  

https://calgaryjournal.ca/2025/01/25/how-acadmic-stress-causes-mental-health-distress-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

Academic pressure and mental health issues are strongly linked, and many students struggle to cope with stress.  

Statistics Québec : https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/communique/eleves-secondaire-plan-psychologique

Many students experience psychological distress, including stress and anxiety, which are signs of burnout.