Burnout in the Medical Field

Burnout in the medical field is nothing new, but it is a growing concern I have observed with greater frequency in recent years. Physicians, therapists, nurses, and others in healing professions put profound energy into their work and often feel exhausted and empty. The medical industry's profit-driven nature uses caregivers as a commodity, resulting in overworked and under-supported professionals highly invested in careers they find difficult to sustain.

Burnout in medicine can look like exhaustion, but it can also look like anger. It can vary from person to person, but the primary factor that defines "burnout" is the pervasive nature of the struggles. It's more than a bad day or even a bad week. It is a chronic accumulation of experiences that leads one to experience some or all of the following:

-Emotional Exhaustion, even at the beginning of a day or shift.

-Depersonalization of patients

-Cynicism

-Anger or frustration

-Shortness with co-workers

-Reduced efficacy

-Questioning self-worth

-Depression

-Anxiety

These issues are often under-expressed. Medical professionals are generally trained to "push through" difficult situations, so they do. However, the long-term consequences go beyond the professional realm and can profoundly impact one's personal life when these symptoms are avoided or denied. This can lead to medical errors, strained relationships, poor mental and physical health, and high turnover.

Burnout is hard to talk about because some may be concerned that they will be perceived as "weak" if they admit they are struggling. In many healing professions, the deeply ingrained culture of resilience is dangerously similar to martyrdom, which is not a sustainable model for a healthy and meaningful career. Some medical professionals worry about liability consequences for admitting one is struggling, leading to further distress in the veil of secrecy.

So, what can be done?? Here are some steps you can take to improve the situation:

1) Start recognizing the signs in yourself or others, which may include:

-Dreading work

-Frequent irritability

-Questioning your purpose

-Detachment from patients and the work in general

2) Normalize talking about burnout. Have conversations about the struggles you have in your work with trusted family, friends, and colleagues.

3) Reconnect with what brought you to your work in the first place- this can help you refocus during discouraging times.

4) Set boundaries where possible. Even in small ways, it can help not to check your work email on the weekend or say "no" to that extra shift. Create some breathing room.

5) Seek support. Therapy, coaching, and peer groups provide spaces for reflection, validation, and practical tools for resilience.

You don't have to do this alone. We offer space for healthcare professionals to decompress, clarify their thoughts and feelings, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity and compassion. If you struggle to navigate burnout alone and think you'd like help, reach out; you deserve support, and it's available.

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