MHM Magazine

Issue 4 | 2021 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | 27 MHM Presently there is a growing emphasis in the body of literature that frames the experience of healthcare workers in terms of moral injury. This is the damage to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s moral beliefs, values or ethical codes of conduct. PERSONALITY AND BURNOUT Personality is the “is it me?” part of the title and there is no denying that the type of personality drawn to the medical profession may often be perfectionistic in nature.  It’s known that perfectionistic and conscientious people are more likely to suffer burnout than those low on the personality factor of conscientiousness. Within our occupation the predominant habits are to be selfless and put others needs first, to work long hours and to do whatever it takes to help a patient. Perfectionism is a major precursor for burnout because it’s often accompanied by an exaggerated sense of responsibility and the need for control, which in turn can lead to the inability to delegate, and guilt feelings. This may result in a devotion to, and identification with work, to the detriment of relationships and self-care. Psychiatrists and psychologists are frequently teased about the phrase; “Well, how do you feel about it?” When we use this phrase though, it’s an invitation to self-reflect and become more self-aware. Hence, when you start to wonder if you’re suffering from burnout, maybe it’s time to stop, take time out, maybe a few days off, to reflect about your emotional state and what the contributing factors are? I’d encourage the reader to think of burnout as a depletion of energy; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy, and then look at ways to increase that energy by attending to each of these aspects in your life. Ask yourself if what you’re doing is sustainable in the long-run. Consider: • Are you getting enough sleep? • Do you make a conscious effort to rest? • Are you investing in relationships with family, friends and colleagues? • Are you getting enough exercise? These are issues you educate your patients about, but are you heeding your own advice? IS IT ‘THEM’? - THE WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CREATING PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE SPACES By far the most influential factor in burnout is the organisational culture in which a person works. The culture is the set of commonly accepted assumptions held by members of an organisation that can affect feelings and behaviour. Creating a sense of community and returning meaning to what we do depends to a large extent on leaders’ behaviour. Therefore, make the workplace a psychological safe space, a place where people aren’t afraid to speak up and know they will be heard. Psychologically safe team members “feel confident that no one on the team will embarrass or punish anyone for admitting a mistake, asking a question, or offering a new idea.” It‘s a place where people treat each other with dignity, respect and kindness. Make good relationships a priority at work by actively encouraging these values. RESOURCES If you’re reading this and are concerned about yourself or a colleague, there are resources available to get assistance, to take stock of where you find yourself emotionally and hopefully start on a journey of self-discovery and healing: • Healthcare Workers Care Network o 24 hour Helpline: 0800 21 21 21 o SMS 43001 o healthcareworkerscarenetwork. org.za CONCLUSION In conclusion, only you can decide which part of your burnout is due to your own personality and which to your work environment. Whichever it is, doctors are a resilient and resourceful lot and I hope that you make the right choices to not only prevent further burnout but that, if you are burnt-out now, you will recover well. This article is based on a webinar I presented on the 14 th July, 2021, a replay of which is accessible here. A question asked at the webinar was; “What is the prognosis for burnout?” My answer was “For the individual, good. For the organisation the individual is working for. Poor”. References available upon request