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The relentless pressure to succeed, coupled with increasingly demanding schedules, is taking a significant toll on young people worldwide. What was once considered a workplace phenomenon – burnout – is now increasingly prevalent among students, athletes and young professionals, often going unrecognized until it reaches a critical stage. Many are discovering, as the phrase suggests, they didn’t know they were experiencing burnout until it was too late, impacting their mental and physical health, and their futures.

Burnout isn’t simply feeling tired or stressed; it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. Experts are raising alarms about the rising rates of youth sports-related burnout, as well as a broader trend of exhaustion across various aspects of young life. Understanding the signs and causes is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

The Rising Tide of Burnout in Youth

The causes of burnout are multifaceted. In youth sports, the increasing professionalization of the field – with year-round training, pressure to secure scholarships, and intense competition – is a major contributor. This trend, as reported by The Novel York Times, is pushing young athletes to their limits, often at the expense of their well-being. But the issue extends far beyond athletics. Academic pressures, social media comparisons, financial anxieties, and a general sense of uncertainty about the future all contribute to the problem.

The situation is particularly acute in some regions. In South Korea, for example, a recent report indicated that nearly one in three young people are experiencing burnout, alongside a 30% rise in suicide rates and a significant housing crisis. Similarly, in Belgium, cases of long-term depression and burnout are increasing, particularly among young people.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Burnout manifests in various ways. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, cynicism, feelings of detachment, reduced performance, and a sense of ineffectiveness. It can also present as physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and changes in sleep or appetite. Crucially, burnout differs from simple stress in its prolonged nature and its impact on multiple areas of life. It’s not just about feeling overwhelmed; it’s about feeling depleted and unable to cope.

In Nigeria, a mental health expert has raised concerns about a growing “burnout culture” among young people, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing burnout requires a multi-pronged approach. For individuals, prioritizing self-care – including adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices – is essential. Setting boundaries, learning to say “no,” and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can also be incredibly helpful.

However, individual efforts are not enough. Systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of burnout. This includes reducing the pressure on young people to achieve, promoting a healthier work-life balance, and fostering a culture that values well-being over relentless productivity. Workplace wellbeing trends for 2026, as highlighted by Relocate magazine, emphasize the importance of proactive mental health support and flexible work arrangements, which can be applied to the lives of young people as they enter the workforce.

The increasing prevalence of burnout among young people is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. It’s a signal that something is fundamentally wrong with the way we are preparing and supporting the next generation. Moving forward, it will be crucial to prioritize their well-being and create a more sustainable and supportive environment for them to thrive.

What steps can communities and institutions capture to better support the mental health of young people? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Hungary is threatening to veto a planned €90 billion ($106 billion) European Union loan to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared Friday. The move escalates tensions between Budapest and Kyiv and throws the EU’s financial support for Ukraine into jeopardy.

Orbán stated on Facebook, “As long as Ukraine blocks the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary will block the €90 billion Ukrainian war loan. We will not be pushed around!” His government accuses Ukraine of “blackmailing” Hungary by halting oil shipments, which were interrupted on January 27 following a reported Russian drone attack that damaged the pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia, both currently exempt from EU prohibitions on Russian oil imports, allege Ukraine deliberately disrupted supplies, though without providing evidence.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reinforced the stance, asserting on X that Ukraine’s blockage of oil transit violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its commitments to the European Union. “We will not deliver in to this blackmail,” he said.

The dispute comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintains his country is not losing the war, despite ongoing conflict. In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Zelenskyy claimed his forces have liberated 300 square kilometers of territory in recent counterattacks, though this claim remains unverified. He similarly called for European troops to deploy to the frontline after any ceasefire.

Slovakia has echoed Hungary’s concerns, with Economy Minister Denisa Sakova stating Ukraine postponed the resumption of oil deliveries until February 24. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico previously declared a state of emergency over supplies and threatened retaliatory measures if the pipeline is not reopened.

Beyond the oil dispute, Hungary is also considering cutting off electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transit through Druzhba is not restored, according to Orbán. He suggested such a move could create economic chaos in Ukraine and impact the upcoming elections in Hungary. Hungary currently supplies approximately 50% of Ukraine’s electricity imports.

The escalating tensions coincide with a broader European effort to bolster defense capabilities. Five European nations – Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland – announced a joint program to develop low-cost drones, driven by the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine. The initiative aims to rapidly produce innovative systems for defense against drones.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly damaged a site in Russia’s Udmurtia region on Saturday, injuring personnel, according to the regional governor. Ukrainian sources claim the attack targeted a plant manufacturing Russian missiles. The International Paralympic Committee is also facing criticism after authorizing the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flags, prompting a boycott of the opening ceremony by Ukrainian competitors.

The United Nations reported Friday that more than 5,000 women and girls have been killed and another 14,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has authorized an increase in tariffs on imported goods from 10 percent to 15 percent, just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his administration’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs without explicit congressional approval. The move, announced on February 22, 2026, signals a renewed push for the President’s protectionist trade policies despite the legal setback.

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, curtailed the President’s power to unilaterally impose tariffs, asserting that such authority requires clear authorization from Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated the President “must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” referring to the broad power to impose tariffs. Reuters reported on the ruling, highlighting its significance as the court’s first major challenge to Trump’s expansive view of presidential power.

Supreme Court Decision Limits Presidential Authority

The legal challenge centered on the President’s utilize of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs. The court found that the President’s interpretation of IEEPA was overly broad and lacked the necessary congressional backing. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, President Trump has invoked multiple legal authorities since January 20, 2025, to increase tariffs on U.S. Imports, prompting retaliatory measures from some trading partners.

President Trump reacted strongly to the Supreme Court’s decision, publicly criticizing some of the justices and vowing to uncover alternative methods to achieve his economic goals. “I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump said, as reported by USA TODAY. He claimed that these alternative methods would generate even more revenue than the tariffs themselves.

Tariff History Under the Trump Administration

The implementation of tariffs has been a defining feature of President Trump’s economic policy. Since the beginning of his second term in January 2025, the overall average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%—the highest level in over a century, according to Wikipedia. Executive Orders issued throughout 2025, detailed on the United States Trade Representative website, demonstrate a series of adjustments and expansions to tariff policies, initially targeting illicit drugs and synthetic opioids, and later expanding to broader reciprocal tariffs.

These actions included Executive Orders imposing duties to address the flow of illicit drugs across both the northern and southern borders (February 1, 2025, as amended), as well as duties related to the synthetic opioid supply chain in China (February 1, 2025, also amended). Further modifications were made through subsequent Executive Orders in April, May, and July of 2025, reflecting ongoing negotiations and adjustments to the tariff structure.

Impact and Future Outlook

The increased tariffs are expected to impact businesses and consumers, potentially leading to higher prices for imported goods. While the administration argues that tariffs protect domestic industries and create jobs, critics contend they disrupt global trade and harm economic growth. The long-term effects of the latest tariff increase remain to be seen, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s limitations on the President’s authority.

The administration is now expected to work with Congress to seek legislative authorization for its tariff policies. The path forward remains uncertain, and the outcome will likely depend on the political climate and the willingness of both parties to compromise. The next key checkpoint will be observing the administration’s legislative strategy and gauging congressional response in the coming weeks.

What are your thoughts on the latest tariff increases? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion.