The Signs of Burnout
So, for doctors, what brings on burnout? “There is the pressure of physician groups being purchased, the pressure of seeing a certain number of patients a day, family pressures, etc.” says Dr. Collins. “In a 2011 study of 7,000 physicians the frequency of burnout was 41%; by 2014 it had increased in all specialties. In late 2015 a Mayo Clinic study found that more than half of American doctors had at least one symptom of burnout.”
Signs you may be burned out:
The joy has gone out of what you passionately “signed up for” and cynicism has set it … ’Is this it?” you think.
- Physical and mental exhaustion.
- Compassion fatigue—you just can’t muster the energy to care anymore.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Sense of inefficacy: “My work doesn’t matter.”
- Depersonalization—you are just going through the motions.
- Overeating/obesity—you are “stress eating” or you think that you will get more energy if you eat more.
Dr. Collins says, “People seem to have to fight for family time these days, with even kids having tight, packed schedules. Reconnecting to oneself and to your family requires unplugging electronic devices and being together. When you ask a physician why they work so hard they will usually say, ‘For my family.’ But if you never see them then what is the point?”
What does Dr. Collins recommend to combat burnout? “You take care of other people’s bodies all day, but it is vital to be kinder to your ownbody. Meditative practices that involve moving—such as yoga or Tai chi—can go a long way to rejuvenating your body and spirit.”
And if you say you don’t have time, well, think about how much time you will have if you burnout and lose your job, end up in rehab, etc. Prevention, prevention, prevention!
Dr. Collins advises, “Look for the ‘still point’, i.e., the body as experienced from the inside. Find the quiet in the storm—your center. There isa quiet place inside you if you take the time to find it. Doing breathing exercises for 5 minutes can establish a positive, energetic basis for your day.”
“Some doctors have had success because they have seen the red flags and taken the opportunity to change the way they are doing their work; even a small change can make a big difference. For example, I know of one practice where the doctors encourage each other to leave the office and go golfing every Thursday afternoon. It has done wonders for their mental health andproductivity.”
Gather your inner control freak and take control by reaching out for help.
Dr. Daniels has the last word: “If you find yourself increasingly irritable and withdrawing from those around you, know that these are early warning signs of burnout. Tell someone. Put any possible shame to the side and take control of your life.”
Author’s note: As a psychotherapist, I wholeheartedly support the idea of implementing the Maslach Burnout Inventory. I propose that those in the leadership of the national societies seek out orthopedic surgeons who have almost reached the burnout stage but were able to ask for help and avoid disaster. These individuals could create video presentations that could be shown to medical students, residents, etc.
