Know Your Resources to Combat Burnout

Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by the triad of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of decreased personal accomplishment. It continues to be a growing problem among physicians – surveys show that as high as 50% of physicians have reported burnout, and little is known about the most effective way to prevent or reduce it.

What can you do if you suspect burnout in yourself or a colleague?

1.)  Recognize the symptoms:

Depersonalization: feelings of cynicism or detachment from one’s job

Emotional exhaustion: feelings of exhaustion and emotional depletion

Decreased personal accomplishment: a sense of lack of workplace achievement

2.) Consider conditions other than burnout when other symptoms are present:

A mood disorder such as major depressive disorder should be considered if the following symptoms are present:

-low mood or irritability

-decreased enjoyment in activities previously considered pleasurable

-changes in sleep, appetite, energy, libido, or concentration

-feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or hopelessness

-thoughts of dying or suicide

3.) Consider what we know about combating burnout:

Although more work is needed to determine effective methods of approaching burnout, multiple systematic reviews have been conducted in recent years to explore possible interventions. Determine whether it would be feasible to implement any interventions found to be effective in your workplace. See “Related Resources” at the very bottom of this piece.

I have found the following activities most helpful to me in combating burnout:

1.) Making time for self-care

For me, that means exercising, cooking foods that make me feel good, and aiming to go to bed early enough to get a full night’s sleep.

2.) Focusing on what I love about my job and doing a few extra minutes of that.

For me, that means spending a few extra moments connecting with my patients and teaching medical students and residents how to care for them.

3.) Disconnecting from work outside of work.

For me, that means closing my laptop, putting down my cell phone, and designating specific times to check email while at home.

Finally, know your resources.

Familiarize yourself with employee assistance programs and mental health services available in your workplace. Employee assistance programs can provide support as well as referral to appropriate resources and may be able to provide guidance on making changes in the workplace to prevent or reduce burnout.

Consider online sources of support, such as social media groups for physicians and posts by the #MedEd Twitter community for clinician educators, and look into mindfulness and meditation apps such as the Calm and Headspace apps.

Burnout can feel overwhelming, but the first steps in approaching this growing problem are recognizing the symptoms and being aware of available resources to manage them.