The Burnout is Real
Carolina can feel amazing, and it IS, but it’s also A LOT. Classes, jobs, friends, clubs, family, and, you know, just trying to exist. It adds up. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and you start to feel burned out.
Here’s the quick guide to spotting burnout and what to do about it.
What Burnout Feels Like
Burnout isn’t just “I’m busy.” It’s when stress builds up so much that even small tasks feel impossible. You might experience feeling…
- Always tired – no matter how much you sleep.
- Zero motivation – schoolwork, hobbies, even fun stuff – it all feels like a chore.
- Irritable or down – you find yourself snapping at people, feeling frustrated, or just feeling blah.
- Brain fog – can’t focus, keep forgetting things.
- Social ghosting – avoiding friends or skipping events.
- Sleep/appetite changes – insomnia, oversleeping, eating way more or way less.
- Random aches – headaches, stomach problems, or just feeling off.
How to Fight Back
You don’t have to push through alone. Try some of these strategies:
- Take breaks – real ones. Go outside, stretch, eat without scrolling.
- Set limits – it’s okay to say no to extra shifts, plans, or projects.
- Do basic self-care – sleep, movement, food, water. These make a big difference in how you feel.
- Talk it out – with a friend, a mentor, or a professional.
- Use campus resources. Why would you not? They’re free!
- UNC Learning Center offers peer tutoring, study skill-building, and academic coaching.
- UNC Writing Center offers one-on-one writing help at any point in the writing process, scheduled workshops, and online tips.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – offers therapy, groups, and crisis support. If burnout starts sliding into hopelessness, constant anxiety, or depression, reach out. Walk in for an initial assessment at CAPS between 9:00 a.m. and noon or 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, or call CAPS 24/7 at 919-966-3658.
Your physical well-being affects your mental health, too. Campus Health offers medical care, nutrition counseling, immunizations, and support for sleep, stress, and overall wellness. Whether you’re feeling rundown, have trouble focusing, or just don’t feel like yourself, you can make an appointment to get checked out. Visit or call 919-966-2281 to schedule an appointment.
Burnout happens to a lot of us. Spot it early, take steps to reset, and lean on the resources around you.