Burnout is Real
- Blackwomananonymous
- Aug 2, 2018
- 2 min read
Burnout can happen to anyone. It transcends race, sex, age and profession. But when you're in the helping profession and most of your work revolves around caring for others, the risk of developing burn out is higher-it's real out here ya'll. You may be more at risk if you have trouble saying "no" to others. Maybe you have a hard time separating your work from your home life or your job goes from one extreme to the other: very busy or stagnant.
What is Burn Out
Burn out is described as physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. Sometimes stress may feel like burnout. A good way to differentiate: Stress usually means you have too much on your plate. Whereas, burnout occurs when you are missing something in your life...compassion, motivation, emotional connection and joy in regards to your profession.
Causes of Burn Out
Unclear job expectations. You have little to no idea of what is expected from you as an employee.
Not feeling valued by management.
Poor work-life balance.
Feeling unheard in the workplace. Maybe you have little to no say-so in your schedule, break time, duties.
Lack of social support from family or friends.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of burnout would include, preoccupation with work-when not at work, lack of productivity, unexplained physical pain/headaches, isolation, withdrawal, appetite change, loss of motivation, chronic fatigue-dragging yourself to work, insomnia, lack of empathy, forgetfulness, anxiety, irritability with co-workers/clients.
Self Help: Ways to Prevent or Eliminate Burn Out
It is important to live a healthy life outside of work.
Self care is so important. Taking time for you should be a priority. It's not selfish.
Know yourself and what may be causing your burnout. Then address each cause/symptom one by one.
Maintain a healthy diet. Exercise.
Reach out to your supports. A close friend or family member. Even your employee assistance program (EAP) at your job is a resource-if there is one. Just ask.
Reframe your thinking. Focus on the positives. Oh, and you can see a therapist for support also.
Free yourself of people, things, that bring negative energy.
Take some time to re-evaluate and focus on the importance of what you do. Or take some time to discover what type of work really makes you happy-fulfills you.
Get enough sleep.
Burn out is something that can be prevented. If you feel you are already experiencing symptoms-reflect and do your work. Taking care of your physical health is great but caring for your mental and emotional health is just as vital.
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