Medanta neurologists warn that young adults in their 20s are at greater risk of severe burns; Reveals 6 early signs to be wary of

On the cusp of adulthood, more and more young adults in their 20s have no energy left. They are experiencing burnout, a state of chronic physical, mental and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress. It’s more than just feeling tired. The exhaustion runs deep and extends to every part of life.

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To understand more about early adulthood burnout, Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra, Director of Neurosciences at Medanta, Gurugram, tells HT Lifestyle that burnout is more than simple fatigue, but a ‘persistent state of stress’ which, if left untreated, can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health.

“Burnout, once considered a mid-career problem, is now increasingly affecting people in their twenties. Many are entering young adulthood and already feeling mentally exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, and physically exhausted,” said Dr. Mehrotra.

The neurologist cited the findings of a May 2025 study published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology, which reported that Indian youth aged 18-32 experience moderate levels of burnout overall, but have significantly higher burnout scores than their older peers in the younger age brackets (18-22 and 23-27). Dr. Mehrotra emphasized that this is a major crisis, as young adults are facing severe stress at the very beginning of their adult lives.

What are the causes of burnout?

Dr. Mehrotra explained that burnout in young adults is caused by a combination of many factors. The reasons for this are constant academic and career pressure, mismatch between expectations and workplace realities, financial stress, constant digital connectivity, global uncertainty, social disconnection and toxic work cultures with blurred boundaries.

With so much going on, Gen Z feels overwhelmed with little room for rest or recovery. The pressures are often overlapping and continuous pressures, one after the other or even simultaneously. From competitive academics to the hustle and bustle of early careers, young adults get caught in a breakneck pace that creates stress and leaves them exhausted.

The neurologist highlighted the key challenges, “For Gen Z, especially in countries like India, the collision of financial pressures, toxic work environments, digital overload, social isolation and mismatched career expectations is creating an urgent mental health challenge.”

While the signs of burnout can be subjective, there are some common, overarching ones. Dr. Mehrotra shares 6 symptoms of burnout, along with 6 tips to help manage it:

6 symptoms of burnout

1. persistent fatigue even after rest
2. difficulty concentrating
3. irritability or mood changes
4. loss of motivation or interest in activities
5. sleep disturbance
6. physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems

6 Tips to Prevent and Manage Burnout

1. Prioritize rest and recovery

• Adequate sleep, ideally 7-9 hours a night, is essential.
• Comfort should be recognized as a non-negotiable component of productivity and health, not a luxury.

2. Set digital boundaries

• Taking regular breaks from screens, limiting social media, and muting non-essential notifications.
• This helps reduce mental fatigue and regain focus.

3. Maintain physical health

• Frequent exercise, nutritious food and hydration are directly linked to improved focus, emotional regulation and resiliency under stress.

4. Build supportive relationships

• Human connection is important.
• Whether it’s through friendship, mentorship, or family, emotionally supportive relationships act as a buffer against fatigue and isolation.

5. Ask for help early

• Therapy or counseling provides tools to manage stress, build coping skills, and gain perspective.
• Addressing burnout early can prevent more serious mental health conditions in the future.

6. Redefine success

• Success should not be measured only by productivity, income or status.
• It should also include mental well-being, personal development, balance and satisfaction. Moving away from the hustle and bustle of culture makes room for a healthier, more sustainable path.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.