Are Gen Z ‘crash outs’ a disguised plea for help?

“Crashing out” is the latest viral term to enter the Gen Z vocabulary this year. Often characterised by a public meltdown or loss of control, crash outs reflect the younger generation’s attempt to stay real and in touch with their emotions.

Why Gen Z is burning out faster

According to clinical psychologist Dr Rimpa Sarkar, crashing out reflects more than just tiredness. It’s a nervous system response to prolonged stress and overstimulation.

“Gen Z lives in a world of constant connectivity, comparison, and emotional noise — from academics and work to social media and personal expectations. Over time, this level of mental and emotional load can cause what we call emotional exhaustion or shutdown, where the brain instinctively chooses withdrawal as a way to protect itself,” she explained.

Unlike the traditional idea of laziness or flakiness, crashing out is often a symptom of burnout — the mind and body’s way of saying ‘enough’.

“When the brain’s stress response stays activated for too long — through dopamine-seeking, performance pressure, or sensory overload — it eventually leads to a depletion of energy, focus, and motivation. This makes even simple social or emotional demands feel overwhelming,” Dr Sarkar said.

For some, it’s a sign of social fatigue; for others, it may indicate deeper anxiety or early burnout.

Unlike the traditional idea of laziness or flakiness, crashing out is often a burnout symptom, with the mind and body saying enough. (Source: Freepik)

‘See me, even in this’: Why young people share their breakdowns

Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa believes this trend is not just about oversharing, but about wanting to be seen when we’re not okay.

“Many young people have grown up in homes where emotions were brushed aside or quickly fixed. They were told not to cry, to move on, to be strong. So now, when they share their breakdowns online, it becomes their way of saying, ‘See me, even in this,’” she explained.

According to Vatsa, it’s not about attention as much as it is about longing to be witnessed — about finding some form of holding when real spaces don’t feel safe enough.

From Orkut notes to reels: The changing language of pain

For millennials, that same ache looked quieter. “We wrote long notes on Orkut, posted vague Facebook statuses, or shared song lyrics to say what we couldn’t say directly — think songs like ‘Tanhai, tanhai, dil ke raaste mein kaisi yeh tanhai’ or ‘Abhi mujh mein kahin, baaki thodi si hai zindagi.’ The emotion was the same; we just wrapped it in metaphors,” said Vatsa.

“Even today, many older adults do something similar — they post cryptic WhatsApp statuses after a fight with family members,” she added.

It’s human to want to be seen when we feel unseen, Vatsa said. The ways of expressing emotion have simply evolved across generations. Millennials may still turn to WhatsApp or Facebook status updates, while Gen Z posts reels of themselves ‘crashing out’ over life’s minor inconveniences.

When social media blurs pain and performance

The challenge, however, is that social media can make everything look the same. “What’s real and what’s performed start to blur. Some people are genuinely reaching out for help, while others are simply echoing what they see. The danger is when we stop being able to tell the difference, and real suffering gets lost in the noise,” said Vatsa.

Earlier, people hid their pain. Now they are showing it. But in both cases, they are still alone with it.

This is where parents, teachers, and even friends have a part to play. Instead of judging or labelling what we see online, we can pause and ask what the behaviour is actually trying to say.

“Sometimes a video or a status update is not about seeking attention. It’s about someone trying to exist in their pain without being abandoned for it,” Vatsa reminded.

What’s needed now, she said, are gentler spaces — homes and classrooms where feelings don’t need to fight for attention, and where silence isn’t mistaken for strength. If we can create that, fewer people will need to turn to the internet to feel seen.

Dealing with crash outs

Dr Sarkar shared some quick strategies to cope with burnout:

Recognise and respect your capacity: Notice early signs of exhaustion like irritability or zoning out, and allow yourself to rest before reaching burnout — it’s not weakness, it’s self-awareness.

Schedule intentional rest, not escape: Plan calm, restorative breaks instead of impulsively withdrawing. Quiet mornings, digital detoxes, or journaling can help your brain reset.

Build realistic social boundaries: Communicate your limits clearly. Saying “not today” doesn’t mean disconnection; it strengthens relationships built on honesty.

Regulate your nervous system daily: Simple habits like mindfulness, stretching, and deep breathing help your body release tension and maintain emotional balance.

Seek support if withdrawal becomes chronic: If isolation or lack of motivation continues, it could signal burnout or depression — therapy can help rebuild energy and emotional resilience.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.