Why Are young Professionals Burning Out? Understanding and Addressing the Rising Trend of Long-Term Sickness

A troubling trend is emerging: young employees are increasingly experiencing long-term absences from work due too illness. Experts suggest an overstimulated brain struggling to cope with constant demands is a major factor. Neuropsychologist Michael Portzky sheds light on the causes of this modern stress epidemic and offers strategies for building resilience.

The Alarming Statistics: A Generation Under pressure

Data indicates a significant rise in the number of individuals in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s needing extended recovery periods after falling ill.
The increase in long-term sick leave among younger employees has risen dramatically, by a staggering 130 percent. This contrasts sharply with older employees, where the increase is only 17 percent.

“Saying that the younger generations are not doing well is an understatement,” notes Portzky, highlighting the severity of the situation.He describes as “‘Hallucinant'” the results of a 2017 survey among thousands of secondary school students, revealing concerning rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation. According to the findings of that survey, ‘One in five had experience with automutilation, among young people who had already received psychological or psychiatric help, that was even half. No less than 4.8 percent indicated that she had ever thought of a suicide plan.’

During the lockdowns, statistics from the Youth Farm test on Noknok, a mental well-being website for 12-16 year olds, revealed similar findings. “Of the 10,000 young people who had completed the test, no less than 17 percent took off the built-in suicide alarm,” Portzky stated. “Still those figures were not allowed to be shared.”

The Root of the Problem: A Mismatch Between Our Brains and Modern Life

Portzky explains that our brains are wired for survival, constantly assessing threats and triggering the stress response when perceived danger arises.”Evolutionally, all stress -related things in our brain have to do with our survival system…the stress response center in our brains constantly checks whether the world around us is safe, whether we can be at ease or whether we should prepare ourselves to fight or flee.”

This system, designed for acute threats, is now constantly activated by modern stressors like overflowing inboxes and financial pressures. “But that system, fantastic in itself, was never intended to have to work twenty -four hours a day,” Portzky emphasizes.”Today we see that it is triggered by overcrowded mailboxes, bills that have to be paid and endless traffic jams.” This constant state of alert prevents true relaxation and contributes to burnout.

Early Life Pressures and Technology’s Impact

The pressures begin early, with children facing expectations even before starting school. “We already put our children on as soon as they are toddlers,” Portzky observes. “For example, schools are not allowed to refuse children because they are not yet toilet train, but in practice that is sometimes expected, because teachers fear that they will not achieve their pedagogical goals if they have to refresh diapers.” This creates a foundation for perfectionism and anxiety.

Moreover,technology,notably smartphone use before bed,disrupts sleep patterns and undermines physical and mental well-being.Young people “crawl into bed with their smartphone,” impacting their hormonal balance due to the screen’s blue light. “In this way they build a sleep deprivation at night that they try to compensate with ditches of energy drinks and coffee during the day. One system after the other in our body is thus undermined.” Over time, this leads to sleep deprivation and reliance on stimulants.

Emotional Loneliness: A Modern Epidemic

While society may seem more connected than ever,many young people experience emotional loneliness,lacking genuine understanding and connection. International studies emphasize that people should feel a part of a group to feel happy, safe, and good. “Characteristic of many young people who are falling today is not that they suffer from social, but from emotional loneliness. In other words: they see people every day, but do not feel that someone really understands them. That’s dangerous.”

Building Resilience: Finding Balance and Seeking Help

Portzky stresses the importance of balance, advocating for consciously incorporating relaxing activities into daily life. “It is indeed vital to think in terms of balance. On the one hand you have a bowl with stressful things, conversely a bowl with relaxing things – and preferably those two bowls are in balance.”

He suggests actively engaging in “palliative activities” that distract from worries and anxieties: “Its important to learn how to deal with stress…We must fill the other dish with so -called ‘palliative activities’: activities that help to remove your thoughts from what makes you sad,anxious or evil. Activities that can stop worrying.” These activities vary from passive ones like yoga and meditation to activities such as sports and social contact.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1813 or visit www.zelfmoord1813.be for support and resources.

The rise in young professionals experiencing burnout is a serious issue that demands attention.By understanding the causes, from societal pressures to technology’s impact and the importance of emotional connection, we can begin to address this trend. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support are vital steps in building resilience and preventing long-term sickness. Take proactive steps today. Fill your “bowl with relaxing things”. Start today!