When Mental Health Awareness Isn't Enough

In 2026, the topic of mental health is no longer hidden or taboo, and is widely recognized, especially online. Discussions of mental health occur more than ever through social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram, and use the terms anxiety and depression openly. Although there is a widespread awareness, there is a lack of meaningful support and access to help those who are struggling. Especially for students and young adults; burnout is not seen as a warning sign, but as an expectation to be successful, which can be incredibly damaging to mental health. This stigma causes young adults to struggle in silence because awareness has not brought enough action or change.

Many students no longer see burnout as unusual, since it has become so normalized and a huge part of student culture. Many will joke about running on excess caffeine, skipping meals, and sleep deprivation which has become known as a part of being hardworking or ambitious. However, this causes the expectation that being overwhelmed shouldn’t be questioned, but rather expected and proof of productivity. Students are expected to get high grades, while managing extracurriculars, staying socially active, and constantly being productive. This causes pressure to always be improving ourselves, always working, and always planning ahead. Taking rest is known as being unproductive or “rotting”, and falling behind can feel like failure. Since everyone around them may seem just as overwhelmed or deal with high expectations, they may no longer realize when they are struggling. When burnout becomes normalized, students won’t know when to ask for help.

The reality is that students are taught to endure pressure, rather than learn how to get supported through it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while this has brought more openness to the topic, there is a lack of meaningful support and access to help those who are struggling. It is crucial for students to find time to take care of themselves, and not feel guilty for taking time to rest. Prioritizing self-care, eating well, and getting good sleep is crucial to prevent burnout. Also, students don’t only need better coping skills, but healthier systems. This includes better access to counselling, less normalization of overworking, and a healthier attitude towards rest. Exhaustion should not be normalized as the result of achievement or success. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, it's worth questioning why burnout is normalized, and the solutions that can be implemented.