Why Burnout Happens 

Working with young people is deeply rewarding, but it’s also emotionally demanding. You’re not just guiding young people, you’re mentoring, advocating, facilitating, and sometimes even counseling. These overlapping roles, paired with long hours and high expectations, can lead to burnout. 

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It can show up as: 

• Emotional exhaustion 

• Irritability or detachment 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• A reduced sense of accomplishment 

Burnout By the Numbers 

According to the Power of Us Workforce Survey, nearly 47% of youth-serving professionals report feeling burned out. And the 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) Work in America Survey found that 77% of all workers experienced work-related stress in the past month, with 57% reporting emotional exhaustion and lack of motivation. 

In the nonprofit sector, home to many youth-focused organizations—burnout is intensified by financial strain. A report from Candid revealed that 1 in 5 nonprofit workers nationwide cannot make ends meet, contributing to chronic stress and emotional fatigue. 

Burnout Prevention Starts with Wellness 

This National Wellness Month, TYAN encourages youth-serving adults to take proactive steps to protect their mental health and energy. Here are five practical strategies, backed by resources, to help you stay balanced and resilient: 

1. Set Boundaries That Stick 

Define your work hours—and honor them. Say “no” to extra commitments when your plate is full. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and mental clarity. 

Here’s a worksheet to help you get started. 

2. Prioritize Your Own Wellness 

Schedule regular breaks and time off. Recharge with activities that genuinely restore you—walking in nature, journaling, creative hobbies, or mindfulness practices. Your wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. 

The Mayo Clinc outlines some mindfulness exercises to tryout. 

3. Lean on Your Network 

You’re not alone. Connect with other youth-serving professionals for peer support. Share responsibilities, delegate tasks, and talk openly about challenges. Community care is a powerful antidote to burnout. 

Forbes shares several steps companies can take to improve employee wellness.

4. Use Available Resources

There are excellent programs designed to support adults working with youth. Here are a few to explore: 

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Offers research-backed programs like Mental Health First Aid and Stress Less with Mindfulness. 

• Mental Health First Aid – Nationally recognized courses that help adults identify and respond to mental health challenges. 

• Local Wellness Programs – Check with your local health department or nonprofit organizations for counseling, mindfulness sessions, and wellness stipends. 

5. Model Self-Care in Youth-Adult Partnerships 

When you prioritize your own wellness, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re teaching youth that self-care is essential and lifelong. Showing up as a rested, balanced adult creates safer, more empowering environments for young people to thrive. 

Wellness Is a Shared Responsibility 

Burnout prevention isn’t just about avoiding exhaustion—it’s about building a culture of care. During National Wellness Month, let’s commit to supporting the adults who support youth. Because when you’re well, your impact is even greater. 

References 

• Power of Us Workforce Survey. (n.d.). Reported feeling burned out. https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/Power-of-Us-Supplemental-Data-Tables-Part-Time-and-Frontline-Staff-April-2025.pdf 

• American Psychological Association. (2023). Work in America Survey. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being 

• Candid. (n.d.). Report on nonprofit workers’ financial well-being. https://blog.candid.org/post/nonprofit-workers-burnout-uncertainty-mental-health-well-being/#:~:text=A%20report%20from%20Independent%20Sector%20and%20United%20for,nonprofit%20employees%20nationwide%20could%20not%20make%20ends%20meet.