BURNOUT is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by involvement in situations that are emotionally demanding-accompanied by disillusionment and negative feelings.
Burnout occurs on a continuum . In the early stages you may have more colds, be quick to anger, have a reduced sense of accomplishment, feel tired more often, withdrawn, increased interpersonal conflicts, more negative. You may feel less energy and it takes more effort to deal with everyday pressures. In the later stages more severe health problems, become numb, feel disillusionment, hardened and overwhelmed.
COMPASSION FATIGUE BURNOUT can include all of the above plus persistent arousal, re-playing scenes from client’s traumatic events and absorbing their emotional suffering, preoccupation with the trauma, intrusive thoughts and helplessness.
Long term effects: reduced empathy, diminished sense of personal safety, reduced sense of control, hopelessness , escape activities and chronic over eating/drug or alcohol use.
Impact on work performance: Low morale, absenteeism, lack of appreciation, avoiding tasks, low motivation, apathy.
As a mental health professional you are exposed to negativity and suffering and are expected to do more while given fewer resources. You not only face these external pressures, you often have a predisposition that increases susceptibility to burnout and compassion fatigue. Addressing the psychological obstacles that foster stress and limit attention to self-care can make all the difference, even when stressful conditions can't be changed. You can learn ways to recognize and counteract underlying causes of stress, develop skills to bring you back into balance, and take care of yourself in ways that enable you to cope with pressures.
Set limits more effectively.
Stop putting everyone else's needs before your own needs.
Stay empathic without taking on your client's problems.
learn to prevent and work with compassion fatigue
recognize the uniques stressors involved in helping others
Prevent and counteract burnout.
Identify attitudes that limit your attention to self-care.
In most states can take my course, Self care for Clinicians, online and EARN THREE CEU’S.
psybc.comClick LIBRARY, then in the section on the left you will see several categories. Click best practices. It is simple: just read my paper and take the test. ONLY $30.00
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