MHM Magazine

40 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2022 | Issue 6 MHM symptoms of burnout because of the emotional exhaustion that has come with the living through this challenging period • This is true for healthcare workers that have borne the brunt of covid stress and anxiety THE SYMPTOMS • Emotions are amplified and erratic • Concentration impacted • Cravings for sugar, carbs, caffeine and coffee • Questioning of life choices • Exhaustion YOUR ENERGY IS A CURRENCY Your physical energy is a finite resource, and you should be spending it wisely. To lead a happy and healthy life, you should make sure you bring in as much energy as you spend. You can garner energy by doing the things that make you feel good. Cut back on activities that drain your energy. We must begin to treat our energy as a precious commodity. STEPS TO REGAIN AND MAINTAIN YOUR ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM • Ask for help: This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of maturity. Be honest about what you can and can’t manage. • Set and maintain boundaries: Train yourself to leave work behind at the end of your working day. Quiet quitting is a way of setting boundaries. • Having a healthy ecosystem: Maintain healthy relationships with partners and family. Get adequate sleep, exercise, and recreation. Financial stability, nutritious food, creative pursuits, prayer, and introspection, learning and growing are all part of a healthy lifestyle. • Practice Self-care: People that are others-centered are prone to burnout because they neglect themselves. We must take care of ourselves, to be able to take care of others. • Give yourself a break: It’s important to take regular breaks and not work for extended periods. • Plan: To conserve your energy, be organized. Do not over commit yourself. Allocate time for different tasks. • Be you: Remember to feed your soul by engaging in activities that make you happy. To keep learning and growing, be honest about your strengths and challenges. If you’ve experienced burnout once, the chances are high that you’ll be prone to it again. Identify your warning signals and when the alarm bells ring, take action immediately. In order to prevent burnout it’s critical for us to be aware of our bodies and to strive to reach a place of healthy balance. HOW CAN WE TACKLE BURNOUT IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TOGETHER? • Continue to raise awareness about burnout • Promote wellbeing and awareness amongst healthcare workers • Offer stress management and resilience training • Advocate for better resource provision and support for healthcare workers • Ensure access to mental health support • Collaborate with the Department of Health and Occupational Health teams References available on request.