‘Crashing Out’: Why Experts Worry About The Disturbing Gen Z Trend

Work anxiety is on the rise, and emotions are running high in the office. In case you haven’t heard, Gen Zers are “crashing out,” slang circling TikTok that means having a sudden outburst, emotional breakdown or freaking out. “Crashing out” is similar to other stress-related slang “hey-hanging,” that made the rounds in 2024, indicating work anxiety and emotional overwhelm.

Early Indicators Of ‘Crashing Out’

I was surprised last year when some news outlets took a humorous approach to the stories on “hey-hanging,” failing to grasp the seriousness of how this type of asynchronous communication can negatively affect employee mental health and add to an already stressful, chaotic and confusing workplace.

On the surface, slang terms like “crashing out” seem innocent enough, but mental health experts view the “crashing out” trend as a disturbing emotional response among a generation unable to manage stress or self-regulate their emotions. As the mental health crisis escalates in 2025, it’s important for employers and employees to refrain from writing it off as just silly Internet slang.

New research on Gen Z mental health and workplace impact reports that almost half (46%) of Gen Z has been diagnosed with a mental health condition. In many cases, “crashing out” is a serious cry for help, that someone is at the end of their rope, burnt out or in need of mental health attention. Sometimes referred to as the silent epidemic, burnout often goes unnoticed, but it is both a career and people killer.

The signs of “crashing out” are essentially the same as burnout. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classifies burnout as a medical diagnosis, resulting from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress, diagnosed by three symptoms:

1. Feelings of energy depletion, exhaustion and fatigue
2. Increased mental distance from your job, along with feelings of negativism or cynicism related to your job
3. Reduced professional efficacy

I spoke by email with Frank Weishaupt, CEO Of Owl Labs. He states that the Owl Labs’ State of Hybrid Work report shows 26% of workers report feeling burnt out, and 43% have experienced increased stress levels, compared to the previous year. He asserts that it’s crucial for employees and employers to recognize personal stress signals before reaching a breaking point, and lists these signs to watch for:

1. Irritability with colleagues

2. Decreased motivation

3. Feeling overwhelmed by routine tasks

4. Exhaustion and self-isolation

“When you notice these early indicators, take proactive steps like requesting time off, adjusting your workload or speaking with your manager about redistributing responsibilities,” Weishaupt advises. “On the management side, be on the look out for direct reports sharing feelings of being overwhelmed, tired or lacking support.”

Employer Solutions To The ‘Crashing Out’ Trend

Weishaupt suggests that employers work with stressed-out employees to find solutions to manage stress, lower workloads and encourage team members to find balance in the workday.

1. Flexibile work. Weishaupt suggests that employees leverage all hybrid work options, as they’re available to them, when feeling overwhelmed. “The data shows that 47% of in-office workers report increased stress levels more than hybrid and remote workers, suggesting that flexibility in work location can be a valuable stress management tool,” he points out. “
2. Political conversations. Weishaupt cites that nearly half (45%) of U.S. workers say their colleagues’ political opinions have made them not want to go to the office. When political topics arise, Weishaupt advises trying to redirect conversations back to work-related matters or politely excuse yourself from discussions that feel heated.
3. Unresolved compensation issues. Weishaupt notes that 22% of disengaged workers feel unfairly compensated, and unresolved compensation issues can build resentment that eventually leads to workplace outbursts. “Employers should regularly review compensation structures against market rates and ensure transparency in how raises and promotions are determined,” he suggests.

Employee Solutions To The ‘Crashing Out’ Trend

The key symptom of “crashing out” is exhaustion in the form of a deep fatigue that isn’t curable by rest or time off. You’re already out of gas. Your best recourse is taking preemptive action before you hit the wall with these eight self-care practices:

1. Create bare minimum Mondays. This can ease you into the workweek without major deadlines, meetings and sifting through inboxes. Give yourself a break and start your work off slowly to set the tone for the remainder of the day and week.
2. Take Microbreaks. Micro-breaks—five or ten minutes—throughout the workday help you unwind and reset your energy level. After hours of sitting, short breaks are effective energy management strategies that can be as simple as stretching, walking up and down stairs, snacking, deep breathing, yoga or a five minute mindful meditation.
3. Practice mindfulness. Keep your awareness in the present moment during the workday. If you start to feel overwhelmed, your mind can wander into the past or future, paralyzing you. Use your breath as a focal point to bring your mind back into the present. Deep breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth and focusing on each inhalation and exhalation—following your breath through to a full cycle from the beginning when the lungs are full back down to when they’re empty—calms down your mind so that you can take action.
4. Avoid procrastination. Don’t let yourself get overloaded to begin with. Get the simple and easy tasks out of the way first, by choosing one task that you can accomplish quickly. Completing it can jump-start your motivation and preempt procrastination.
5. Set boundaries. It’s important to know your limitations and where to draw the line. Don’t hesitate to say no to a job request when you’re already overloaded, trying to keep your head above water. If you’re a remote worker, confine work to a specific area of your home so your job doesn’t intrude into the lives of other household members. Putting a hard stop time to your workday is crucial to ending burnout. After hours, keep your work space at arm’s length as if it’s five miles across town.
6. Flip self-judgment. When you’re overwhelmed and beat yourself up with self-judgment, it adds insult to injury. That’s like fighting the fire department when your house is on fire. Try flipping your negative self-talk in a more positive direction to balance your perspective. For example, when you focus on your shortcomings, make a list of your “tallcomings”—all of your positive qualities and skills.
7. Create a “to be list.” Don’t make the mistake of pushing through burnout. It can exacerbate the problem. The best medicine is to practice “being” instead of “doing.” When you’re trying to relax, flip the old adage by saying to yourself, “Don’t just do something, sit there.” Slow down your pace and pay attention to your body and what it needs. Engage in restful activities such as listening to soft music, reading a good book or gazing out the window at nature.
8. Seek support. Your first responsibility is to yourself to not let shame or intimidation keep you from talking to your manager about the possibility of a deadline extension, a more flexible schedule or reduced work load. Seeking professional help is essential if “crashing out” persists or worsens. Contact Mental Health America to find resources closest to you.