Guest Blogger: Jamie Wilson, Barbour Community Health Association LPC
Every day, healthcare workers of all kinds put themselves in harm’s way in order to do what they feel called to do, assist others. Our current situation has shed a new light on these amazing individuals and the sacrifices they make daily to do their jobs. Unfortunately, their work also bares the risk for becoming stressed or overwhelmed, particularly in times of crisis much like our current state.
When a healthcare worker becomes overwhelmed to the point where they are unable to perform their duties, it is often referred to as burnout. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines burnout as “a long-term stress reaction marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of sense of personal accomplishment.” Recognizing and addressing burnout is not only important for the wellbeing of our healthcare workers, but also for the patients who are depending on them for safe and effective care. So how do you know if you or someone you work with is experiencing burnout and what can you do to fix it?
While every individual brain and body is different, there are some common signs of burnout to look for in both ourselves and others. Physical signs may include:
- Freezing
- Unresponsiveness/Distracted/Dissociation
- Darting Vision
- Hypervigilance
- Restlessness
- Exaggerated Startle Response
- Sensory Sensitivity
- Avoidance Behaviors
- Reckless/Self-Destructive Behaviors
- Sleep Difficulties
- Preoccupation with Exit Strategies/Physical positioning
- Frequent Somatic Complaints
We may also experience emotional signs and changes such as:
- Diminished Interest in Activities
- Irritability/Anger Outbursts
- Persistent Negativity
- Mood Swings
- Emotional Sensitivity
- Rigidness and Inability to Adapt to or Accept Change
- Cognitive Distancing or Operating on Auto-Pilot
If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout, there are strategies and resources available to help restore them to a healthier state.
Relaxation and emotional regulatory activities such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery encourage activity in the frontal lobe of our brains. The result allows for increases in concentration, memory, and rational thought.
Basic self-care in the form of eating, sleeping, physical activity, and social connection is also important to both preventing and treating burnout. Keeping a consistent schedule each day with regards to these basic activities allows our brains and bodies to know what to expect and when. In uncertain times such as these, something as small as knowing when you will be eating or sleeping can be comforting and provide a sense of normalcy within the daily routine.
If you are concerned for a co-worker, there are options for how to appropriately guide them to help. If you feel comfortable approaching them directly, do so with clear intentions of genuine concern. Simply stating, “I know this is a difficult time and I just want to check in with you and see how you’re doing” can go a long way. Give them some time to process your question and their own feelings, as they may not realize the potentially harmful state they are in.
If your concern isn’t well-received or you don’t feel it appropriate to approach the person directly, address your concerns to your supervisor to ensure they are getting the help they need.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to be kind and patient with both ourselves and others. Everyone will have good days and bad days, and that is okay. Staying focused on the light at the end of the tunnel can help to stay on track through these difficult, but temporary times.