Overworked

As a psychiatric nurse, I know the plight of how progressive burnout can negatively impact doctors, social workers, health aids and nurses. Having experienced it myself, it is like a slow growing cancer that can easily go unnoticed. If left untreated, it diminishes the overall health and emotional well-being among those afflicted. The risk factors seem almost universal, which includes understaffing, resource shortages, a cranky supervisor, and the list goes on. The international classification of diseases published by the World Health Organization, defines burnout as “A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

Health care workers face tremendous stress on a daily basis, providing critical services to the community under strained capacity. When it comes to better stress management and recognizing warning signals, more must be done. Burnout not only impacts the care provider but also influences those who depend on their service. Dare I say patients can be compromised by the sullen nature of someone holding a syringe, but I've noticed burnout's compound effect clearly.

Seven years ago, I was a new graduate nurse whom many commented as having the enthusiasm and compassion to brighten a room. Sadly, within four years time I tumbled down the rocky slope of demotivation, anxiety, cynicism and fatigue. I soon realized after much strain that I needed to pause and address my depleted state. Yes, I recovered and there was a light toward the end of the tunnel, but I wish my burnout had been addressed early. 

After moving to New Zealand and practising here, I realized not only was this a global phenomena, but even worse among the Kiwis I worked beside. Several were incredibly experienced nurses who had cloaked themselves behind dark humour and sarcasm, disgruntled by their unheard cries to management about resource needs. This inevitably led to a pressure cooker environment, much like the  scenes of people in pictures on the NY stock exchange.

Burnout doesn't happen overnight and fortunately there is early intervening action that we can all take to advocate for prevention. It starts with noticing the early warning signs in yourself or someone you know. How I would have greatly appreciated if my team leader or even a friend, had picked up on my signals and noticed something was different. Even if we don’t know what to look for, simply asking "How is work going or do you feel overwhelmed?" Can go a long way. 

Transforming into  a jaded zombie does not happen overnight, it is months or sometimes years of neglecting to show self compassion and recognizing warning signs. In order to recognize the red flags, you have to know what they are and then it is possible to support yourself or someone you care about early on. 

These warning signs include:

-Ongoing preoccupation with work and thinning of boundaries between work and home. For example, checking work emails at home on days off, or persistent anxious thoughts about work while off duty. 

-Noticeable irritability at work or home and increased cynicism; it may even seem as though you are less compassionate.

-Decreased motivation and feeling as though you don’t have much more to give.

-Reduced professionalism and increased negativity

-Isolation 

The importance of advocating for someone in healthcare who may be struggling with these signs of burnout cannot be emphasized enough. Building awareness does make a difference and starts a ripple effect. If you or someone you know is struggling, take action so that it does not worsen. 

Have a conversation with someone you trust and a dialogue about the reality of feeling burnt out. Seek out a few weeks of annual leave or attend a conference that gets you excited. Engage in activities outside of work that you enjoy with friends or family. Getting regular exercise outside promotes serotonin and of course the golden goodness of vitamin D. For those who notice the signs in someone else, speak up and ask if they are managing alright. Our communities deserve quality, compassionate care and the ones who serve in this capacity deserve a healthy work life.