By Shonani Mufamadi
Struggling with exhaustion, skipping lectures, watching your grades slip, or even considering dropping out? Burnout goes beyond just stress and rough days, it’s a silent struggle that many students face.
We sat down with Kabelo Malele, a registered counselor at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). Yes, D-Block, University of Limpopo’s very own mental health centre, to uncover the effects of burnout and how students can reclaim their well-being.
“Burnout happens when a student develops negative feelings toward studies, loses focus, avoids classes, or disengages from academics,” Malele explained.
But how do you know if it’s burnout or just normal stress? “Students with normal stress still get stuff done. Burnt out feels heavier. You miss deadlines, lose motivation, or even avoid classes,” he said.
Kabelo Malele, Championing for mental health. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
Still unsure on indicators? Watch out for these signs: Persistent sadness, sleepless nights, appetite loss, using substances to cope, poor performances, or self-harm thoughts. If that resonates, Malele advice students to seek help.
Because let’s be honest, you wouldn’t ignore a broken arm, so why neglect your mental well-being?
What now? Bounce back with 6 wellness coping strategies no magic, they just need effort and a lot of self-love:
- Intellectual – Plan things ahead and manage your time—don’t let deadlines ambush you.
- Emotional – Accept, speak up, rest, and care for yourself
- Physical – Eat right, sleep enough, stay active, and stay hydrated.
- Social – Lean on your support system—friends, family, campus support.
- Spiritual – Make time for what gives your life meaning—faith, reflection, purpose.
- Financial – Budget wisely and get financially literate, it pays off beyond campus.
Meet the D-Block peer counsellors, the friendly faces ready to listen, support, and help students beat burnout. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
With exams approaching, Malele urges students to stay organised and prepare smart. Revise early, use active study methods, plan your time well, create a realistic schedule, take breaks, and avoid cramming. Minimise distractions, and don’t skip rest, sleep, or nutrition. As he put it,
And the real flex? Knowing when to ask for help.
For Immediate help and suicidal thoughts: call CSCD @ 0800 127 565 or SADAG @ 0800 567 567)
For further assistance, reach out to CSCD Toll-Free: 080 012 7565
Walk ins allowed D-Block
