Signs of Student Burnout: What to Watch For

Neurasthenia may sound like an affliction exclusive to academic overachievers, but in reality, it’s far from being a "badge of honor." Among students, the symptoms of neurasthenia are often overlooked or mistakenly dismissed as a "normal reaction to academic stress." However, if you or someone around you frequently feels exhausted, struggles to concentrate, or experiences significant mood swings, it might not just be "study fatigue."

The manifestations of neurasthenia are varied, but the most common symptoms include:

1. Persistent fatigue: No matter how much you sleep, you still feel utterly drained upon waking, as if your body has been emptied. This fatigue not only reduces academic efficiency but also saps interest in daily life.

2. Difficulty concentrating: You constantly zone out during class, and while your eyes scan the lines of a book, your mind remains blank. This "absent-mindedness" makes learning exceptionally challenging.

3. Mood swings: One moment, the world seems beautiful, and the next, life feels hopeless. Emotions fluctuate like a rollercoaster, making it hard to maintain stability.

4. Sleep problems: Tossing and turning at night, struggling to fall asleep; waking up in the morning feeling physically "kidnapped" by the bed, weak and lifeless. Poor sleep quality further exacerbates the symptoms of neurasthenia.

5. Physical discomfort: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, muscle soreness, and other physical ills, yet medical exams reveal no clear cause. These symptoms are often signs of neurasthenia.

Neurasthenia is not a synonym for "academic stress" but a health issue that demands attention. If you or someone you know exhibits the above symptoms, it’s advisable to seek professional help promptly, adjust lifestyle habits, reduce stress, and restore physical and mental well-being. After all, health is the ultimate "capital" for academic success!