Beyond Self-Care: The Essential Role of Professional Support in Burnout Recovery
Sep 25, 2024
As a clinical psychologist, I often find myself in the unique position of treating those who are accustomed to being caregivers. One such case involved a healthcare worker, a nurse I’ll call “Imani” (not her real name). Imani came to me in the throes of severe burnout, a condition all too familiar among those in the healthcare profession.
Imani was always the one to go the extra mile for her patients, often working late into the night and picking up extra shifts when needed. But the demands of the job, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, had taken a toll on her mental and physical health. She was exhausted, emotionally drained, and felt like she was losing her sense of purpose. As we talked by video conference, she admitted that she was struggling to find joy in the work she once loved.
Imani’s story is not unique. Healthcare workers, therapists, teachers, and many other professionals in caregiving roles are at high risk of burnout. The nature of their work, which often involves long hours, high stress, and emotional labor, can lead to a state of chronic exhaustion if not properly managed. Below, I’ll explore how professional help can be a vital tool in both preventing and managing burnout, drawing on scientific research and my own experiences as a therapist.
Understanding Burnout in Healthcare Workers
Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or overworked; it is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress. According to the World Health Organization (2019), burnout is characterized by three main dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.
For healthcare workers like Imani, burnout can be particularly dangerous. Research has shown that burnout in healthcare professionals is linked to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased job performance, higher rates of medical errors, and lower patient satisfaction (Shanafelt et al., 2015). Moreover, burnout is associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).
The Role of Professional Help in Burnout Prevention and Management
While self-care practices such as exercise, proper nutrition, and mindfulness can help mitigate the effects of burnout, professional help is often necessary to address the deeper, underlying issues that contribute to burnout. Therapy, counseling, and workplace interventions can provide the support and tools needed to manage stress effectively and prevent burnout from escalating.
1. Therapy and Counseling: A Safe Space for Healing
Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings, identify the sources of their stress, and develop coping strategies. For healthcare workers like Imani, who are used to putting others’ needs before their own, therapy can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and healing.
One effective therapeutic approach for managing burnout is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to stress (Beck, 2011). For example, Imani had developed a pattern of perfectionism and over-commitment, which led her to take on more work than she could handle. Through CBT, we worked on setting realistic boundaries and developing healthier ways to cope with stress.
Another valuable approach is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which combines mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga to help individuals develop a greater awareness of the present moment and reduce stress (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). MBSR has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing burnout symptoms among healthcare professionals (Irving, Dobkin, & Park, 2009).
2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Support in the Workplace
Many organizations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide employees with access to counseling services, mental health resources, and other support. EAPs can be a valuable resource for individuals experiencing burnout, as they provide confidential, short-term counseling services that are often covered by the employer.
For healthcare workers, EAPs can offer much-needed support during times of crisis. A study by Attridge (2019) found that employees who utilized EAP services reported significant improvements in their mental health and job satisfaction. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of EAPs depends on employees’ willingness to use these services, which highlights the need to reduce the stigma around seeking help.
3. Workplace Interventions: Creating a Supportive Environment
In addition to individual therapy and counseling, workplace interventions can play a crucial role in preventing burnout. Organizations can implement policies and programs that promote work-life balance, provide opportunities for professional development, and create a supportive work environment.
For example, hospitals and healthcare facilities can implement strategies such as reducing workload, increasing staffing levels, and providing access to mental health resources. A study by West et al. (2016) found that organizational interventions aimed at reducing burnout in physicians were associated with significant reductions in burnout rates and improvements in job satisfaction.
The Benefits of Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help for burnout can have a profound impact on an individual’s well-being, as well as on their performance at work. When individuals receive the support they need, they are better equipped to manage stress, maintain their mental and physical health, and continue to provide high-quality care to their patients.
1. Improved Mental Health
One of the primary benefits of seeking professional help is improved mental health. Therapy and counseling can help individuals develop healthier ways of coping with stress, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve overall well-being (Gross, 2015). For healthcare workers, this can translate to better job performance, increased job satisfaction, and a reduced risk of burnout.
2. Increased Resilience
Professional help can also increase resilience, or the ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is a key factor in preventing burnout, as it enables individuals to navigate challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Therapy can help individuals build resilience by teaching them how to manage stress, set boundaries, and maintain a positive outlook (Smith et al., 2018).
3. Enhanced Job Performance
When individuals are mentally healthy and resilient, they are better able to perform their job duties effectively. Research has shown that healthcare workers who receive professional support are less likely to experience burnout, and more likely to provide high-quality care to their patients (Shanafelt et al., 2015). This has positive implications not only for the individual, but also for the organization as a whole.
Suggestions for Incorporating Professional Help into Your Self-Care Routine
If you’re experiencing signs of burnout, it’s important to take proactive steps to seek professional help. Here are some suggestions to get started:
- Acknowledge the Problem: The first step in seeking help is acknowledging that you’re experiencing burnout. Pay attention to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, irritability, loss of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Recognizing these signs early can prevent burnout from worsening.
- Consult a Mental Health Professional: Reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist who specializes in stress management and burnout. These professionals can provide personalized strategies and support to help you manage your symptoms.
- Utilize Workplace Resources: If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), take advantage of the services provided. EAPs are designed to help employees navigate personal and professional challenges, including burnout.
- Explore Different Types of Therapy: Different therapeutic approaches work for different people. If traditional talk therapy doesn’t resonate with you, consider alternatives such as CBT, MBSR, or even group therapy. Find what works best for you.
- Commit to the Process: Therapy and counseling are most effective when approached with commitment and consistency. Attend sessions regularly, be open with your therapist, and actively engage in the therapeutic process.
- Practice Self-Compassion: It’s important to be kind to yourself during this process. Burnout is not a sign of weakness or failure; it’s a natural response to prolonged stress. Give yourself permission to seek help and take the time you need to heal.
Burnout is a serious condition that can have far-reaching effects on your mental and physical health, as well as your professional life. While self-care practices are important, seeking professional help is a critical component of preventing and managing burnout. Therapy, counseling, and workplace resources such as EAPs can provide the support and tools needed to navigate stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking support from a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness. By taking proactive steps to manage stress and prioritize your well-being, you can protect yourself from burnout and build a more resilient, fulfilling life.
References
Attridge, M. (2019). Employee Assistance Programs: Evidence and current trends. International Journal of Health & Productivity, 11(2), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.22377/ijgp.v11i2.1082
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781
Irving, J. A., Dobkin, P. L., & Park, J. (2009). Cultivating mindfulness in health care professionals: A review of empirical studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15(2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.10.005
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness (Rev. ed.). Bantam Books.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., & Sinsky, C. A. (2015). Potential impact of burnout on the US physician workforce. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(12), 1600-1613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.08.023
Smith, B. W., Tooley, E. M., Christopher, P. J., & Kay, V. S. (2018). Resilience as the ability to bounce back from stress: A neglected personal resource? The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(3), 166-176. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2010.482186
West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Erwin, P. J., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2016). Interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet, 388(10057), 2272-2281. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31279-X
World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International classification of diseases. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon
