PRESENT BY : DR.AMIRA YAHIA Stress & Professional Burnout

Objectives Define burnout and identify causes. Identify burnout symptoms and behaviors. Assess if you are burned out. Learn strategies for coping with and preventing burnout.

Objectives Define burnout and identify causes. Identify burnout symptoms and behaviors. Assess if you are burned out. Learn strategies for coping with and preventing burnout.

What is Burnout? Depletion of mental, physical, and emotional energy without expected or real needs being met; constant giving without receiving in return.

Burnout is part of the stress experience. It is the end-stage of unrelenting stress. Burnout compromises physical and emotional wellbeing. When something has to give…it’s usually caring for ourselves that goes first. When we stop caring for ourselves, we put ourselves at risk for burnout. The Path of Unrelenting Stress

Common Stress Symptoms

The Descent Into Burnout

Work related causes of burnout Feeling like you have little or no control over your work. Lack of recognition or rewards for good work. Unclear, inconsistent or overly demanding job expectations. Doing work that’s unchallenging. Not able to see results of work. Working in a chaotic or high-pressure environment

Lifestyle causes of burnout Working too much, without enough time for relaxing and socializing Being expected to be too many things to too many people. Taking on too many responsibilities, without enough help from others Not getting enough sleep Lack of close, supportive relationships Lack of home/life balance

Personality traits can contribute to burnout Perfectionistic tendencies; nothing is ever good enough Pessimistic view of yourself and the world The need to be in control; reluctance to delegate to others High-achieving, Type A personality

Symptoms of Burnout Physical Mental/Emotional Behavioral

Physical Symptoms Low energy/exhaustion Insomnia or oversleeping Muscle tension Decrease/increase in appetite Headaches Decreased sexual drive Undefined feeling of illness Rapid pulse Heart palpitations Elevated blood pressure Digestive disorders Rashes/itching Frequent urination Shakiness and trembling Frequent colds

Mental & Emotional Feeling of loss of control Loss of meaning Feeling inadequate/incompetent Forgetful Resistant to suggestions Feeling trapped Difficulty concentrating Boredom Feeling work doesn’t fit in with personal values Loss of sense of humor In denial Detached Sad Fearful/anxious Frustrated Overwhelmed

Behavioral Symptoms Accident prone Increased use of sick days Sighing Irritable/angry Tearful Withdrawn Cynical Changes in relationships Unresponsive Working hard but not being as productive Increased use of medication, alcohol, and other drugs

Sources of Burnout Personal Environmental Organizational

Personal Sources Health issues Financial problems Ineffective habits Caregiving without respite Lack of social support Values, attitudes Lack of coping mechanisms Disruptive or unhealthy relationships

Environmental Sources Noise, light, temperature, humidity Technostress/information overload Lack of proper equipment Job hazards/risks Ergonomic issues Overcrowding

Organizational Sources Too much to do/too little to do Role ambiguity Too much responsibility Lack of training Accountability Overqualified/under qualified Uncertain future Management style Company culture Constant change Few opportunities for growth, creativity, making contribution

Coping with Burnout 1. Identify and eliminate sources that drain energy. 2. Identify what you can change and what you can’t. 3. Set goals that reflect your values and beliefs.

Coping with Burnout Set limits Delegate responsibility Take breaks Create new challenges that validate values and are stimulating Seek support

Avoiding Burnout Master your mind Eat for performance Work out to work better Break up stress and fatigue Learn to embrace problems Put humor to work Create energizing environment

You may be on the road to burnout if… Every day is a bad day. Caring about your work or home life seems like a total waste of energy. You’re exhausted all the time. The majority of your day is spent on tasks you find either mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming. You feel like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated.

Consider the following What kinds of events have been most stressful for me? How have those events typically affected me? Have I found it helpful to think of important people in my life when I am distressed? To whom have I reached out for support in working through a traumatic or stressful experience? What have I learned about myself and my interactions with others during difficult times? Has it been helpful for me to assist someone else going through a similar experience? Have I been able to overcome obstacles, and if so, how? What has helped make me feel more hopeful about the future?

Red flag feelings and behaviors that require immediate attention Inability to sleep. Feeling down, hopeless, or helpless most of the time. Concentration problems that are interfering with your work or home life. Using smoking, overeating, drugs, or alcohol to cope with difficult emotions. Negative or self-destructive thoughts or fears that you can’t control. Thoughts of death or suicide.