104
VOLUME 10 NUMBER 3 • SEPTEMBER 2013
EDUCATOR’S FOCUS
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
THE PROBLEM
The nature of the work dictates that the giving and receiving of support
between client and counsellor is not an equitable dynamic. One reason
burnout occurs is because healers sometimes lose sight of this, becom-
ing depleted and defensive, and taking it personally when clients are
demanding or manipulative. This can leave them feeling emotionally
drained. Emotional exhaustion, coupled with the high ethical and moral
standards they often set for themselves, can lead to feelings of frustra-
tion, anger and resentment.
If there appears to be no respite from the seemingly ever-present
stress, healthcare workers could well be on the road to severe burnout.
It is therefore imperative that they take a proactive stance by broadening
their understanding of what burnout is, why it develops, how it can mani-
fest and what can be done to counteract it before it gets out of control.
An appreciation of the elements of healthy and appropriate self-care is
an essential tool for the prevention of burnout.
CAUSES OF BURNOUT
In talking with other healers, Plattor has discovered that there seem
to be as many definitions of burnout as there are people defining it.
‘Despite these variations, however, it would appear that burnout has, at
its core, three features in common: physical fatigue, emotional exhaus-
tion and gradual disillusionment with the work itself. Other contributing
factors that can lead to burnout may include work overload, lack of
appreciation and recognition, strained relationships among colleagues
and/or supervisors, and job dissatisfaction. As healers become disil-
lusioned, they may become self-critical and feel as if they are not doing
enough to help other people.’
MANIFESTATIONS OF BURNOUT
There are many ways that the symptoms of occupational stress and
burnout can manifest. These include physical symptoms such as head-
aches, gastrointestinal disturbances, chronic colds, changes in appetite
and sleep difficulties. Emotional manifestations can include feelings
of depression, helplessness, anxiety, nervousness, guilt, irritability and
emotional depletion. Behavioural symptoms may show up as tardiness,
absenteeism and poor work performance.
If burnout persists, the affected healthcare workers may develop nega-
tive attitudes toward the work, themselves, their clients and/or life in
general. They may withdraw from clients, friends and family members,
preferring to engage in such solitary activities as isolative substance use,
excessive reading, watching too much television or spending inordinate
amounts of time online.
‘It is important to remember that clients who come to healthcare pro-
fessionals for assistance often have narcissistic needs.’ Plattor therefore
feels strongly that therapists who expect to have any of their own needs
met by clients are at risk of burnout.
‘Countertransference can develop when the healer’s own unresolved
conflicts and defences are triggered by “difficult” clients. When exploring
various occupational hazards of the healthcare professional, it is vital to un-
derstand and acknowledge that the healer’s emotional investment may be
quite high, thus making it easy to feel disappointed. In addition, healers who
work in isolation may not have opportunities to debrief with colleagues or
supervisors when they find themselves triggered. Ongoing self-awareness
is therefore essential; healthcare workers need to seek the support neces-
sary to prevent symptoms of burnout from taking over their lives.’
PREVENTION OF BURNOUT
Plattor thinks it unfortunate that many healthcare professionals believe
that practising ‘self-care’ is equivalent to being ‘selfish’, rather than see-
ing healthy self-care as vitally important in terms of a well-rounded, ho-
listic plan for burnout prevention.
‘Choosing to practise healthy self-care can incorporate a great many
alternative types of coping responses. For example, having insight into
one’s own “compassion fatigue” is crucial to the prevention of burnout.
It is also necessary for healers to establish and maintain a balance be-
tween their personal and professional lives and to find ways to interact
with each other. In addition, healers need to pursue extracurricular ac-
tivities and find ways to enjoy themselves. These include hobbies, sport,
cultural events, socialising with friends and family, taking vacations and/
or engaging in coursework outside their area of professional expertise.
Holistic self-care also includes eating well, getting regular exercise, get-
ting enough rest and sleep, having reflective time alone, engaging in
spiritual pursuits and having fun!’
CONCLUSION
‘It is essential that we pursue our own healing, because it is only when
we are self-aware and comfortable with our own unique personhood that
we can effectively assist clients to become comfortable exploring theirs’,
concludes Plattor. She cautions, however, that it is unrealistic to think
that burnout can be completely eliminated. ‘Internal and external stres-
sors will always affect people from time to time. However, when we are
aware of occupational stress and its causes and manifestations, we can
develop and implement preventative strategies that will greatly decrease
unnecessary burnout among healthcare professionals.’
References
1.
Monegain B. Burnout rampant in healthcare.
careitnews.com/
news/burnout-rampant-health care
(Last accessed 4 October 2013).
2.
Plattor C. When healers burn out: Causes and prevention of occupational stress
among healthcare professionals.
healers_burn_out.htm
(Last accessed 4 October 2013).
