Burnout is a common aspect of working in the mental health field. You have so many tasks you have to balance. At times, you're so busy speaking to your clients about self care that you forget to actually make the time for your own. It's a bit like the mechanic who doesn't have a car because they can't be bothered to fix their own.
Regardless if you're at the burnout stage or if you're not, burnout is a hazard of the job.
Sense of failure and self-doubt
Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
Detachment, feeling alone in the world
Loss of motivation
Increasingly cynical and negative outlook
Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
One way we can address burnout is by pushing comfort zones and learning new things. I am especially speaking to the clinicians who aren't writing their case notes after their sessions, aren't having to chase up client payments, who have hit a groove and stride with their practice.
Feeling like you have little or no control over your work
Lack of recognition or reward for good work
Unclear or overly demanding job expectations
Doing work that’s monotonous or unchallenging
Working in a chaotic or high-pressure environment
If you've been paying attention to our most recent series, you probably see where this is going. If you have a current niche and you're feeling burnout, try taking a step back. Especially if you're working with a difficult clientele. If you're generalising, pick a presenting issue that you don't feel comfortable working with. Build an educational pathway for the next year and start to learn all you can about the work. Track your statistics around your client attendance and retention. Work through ways to provide a better service to clients as you grow and learn this new niche. Understand your own barriers to this presenting issue. Work on developing yourself professional and personally. Set goals and kick them one at a time.
