The term "burnout syndrome" is mostly associated with adults
and their exhausting and unfulfilling jobs. Nowadays, however, even adolescents
can experience this problem. This was also confirmed by a study carried out by
the University of Bielefeld in Germany. Its results show that up to two-thirds
of students show warning signs of burnout.
A busy life and an emphasis on performance
To
school in the morning, after school to practice or another club and then home
to do homework and chores. Parents often try to fill all their children's free
time so that their child does not accidentally get bored for a while. But often
we don't realize that this is the greatest danger. A full calendar often robs children
of a sense of happiness and freedom.
Nowadays,
there is a great emphasis on performance. Good grades will ensure children get
into the good school and then college. This leads to well-paid jobs and
careers. Clubs ensure that children can develop in other spheres than study.
But that's not all. We forget that children need a space and time for proper
development that belongs only to them, and that they can use it as they wish.
Don't miss the warning signs
The
mental imbalance caused by overload can result in a number of psychosomatic
problems. That's why you shouldn't miss these warning signs in your
"teenager":
·
Frequent headache, nausea
·
Insomnia or other sleep disorders
·
Anxiety, despondency
·
Passivity, disinterest in any activity
·
Food aversion
·
Concentration problems
·
Increased impulsivity, aggressiveness
·
Elevated blood pressure or other health
complications
When
these symptoms appear suddenly, burnout syndrome may not be to blame right
away. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms more frequently or
perhaps your child has several of them, you should be alert. Try to stop for a
moment, discuss the situation with your child and find the best solution. As a
parent, you should guide your children, but at the same time give them enough
space to develop. Strong relationships and a happy child are more important
than straight A's.
How far can it go?
As
with adults, burnout syndrome in children should not be underestimated. While
adults are often able to cope with difficult life situations, or at least know
where to turn, children may have no idea. The child's psyche is not yet fully
developed and reacts differently to overload. Self-destructive tendencies can
also be an extreme case. It is not rare that we encounter children trying to
cope with psychological pressure in a physical way. They may engage in various
forms of self-harm ranging from cutting themselves with sharp objects, burning
themselves, scratching or tearing their skin, to pulling out their hair.
Alternatively, they may try to vent their inner tension into some physical
activity that is disproportionate - too demanding or too long. In this case,
the risk of injury increases.
Happy child = happy parent
As
we have already mentioned, good grades and success outside of school are not
everything. Before you jump into planning your child's time, first sit down
with him and find out what he actually wants. You might learn that his dream is
simply to spend a day or two with his friends and just hang out. You may find
yourself trying to project your own unfulfilled wishes and desires onto your
child. Think about how you feel when you don't have a moment to yourself. In
the end, you will always come to the conclusion that the only thing that really
matters is that your child is healthy, happy and content.
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