What is it?
There is no specific definition of “burn out”, rather it’s a manifestation which often goes unnoticed even by the person suffering from it. Over a period when you keep working in a stressful environment, your performance slowly declines, learning and training abilities are slowly overrun by the constant need of adjustment, meeting deadlines and expectations, and soon a time comes when you feel you are not the same you used to be.
Why it affects us more?
As IMG’s, we come from a variety of backgrounds. We put a lot of effort, commitment and sacrifices when we take a leap in moving to an entirely different work culture and environment. We all have our own reasons of leaving, however what we look forward to is a better quality of life. In trying to achieve that, we go above and beyond our capabilities.
Why do we do that??
It’s because we were trained in that way. We learned the hard way, and somehow it gets imbibed into us, to keep working and working until its too late. We come from a culture with far worse patient to physician ratio, and all our lives, have learnt to be overworked. But then when we start working in the NHS, in addition to physical work, there adds up a lot of academic responsibilities, appraisals and revalidations, CPD targets , financial loads to achieve those CPD points, costly exams, expectations of the workplace in relation to communication, record keeping, non-technical skills, learning and perfecting integrated e prescription systems and lots more, not to forget ones own personal , family and other commitments.
Where this leads us?
Well, we get stuck in a vicious cycle of “work-life-work” with the “balance” missing from that. Few of us may be lucky to have friends and family to support or a lead or supervisor to talk to in the workplace, but for the others it’s an entirely different ballgame. We keep pushing and pushing until we reach a breakpoint, and news of professionals leaving the NHS, early retirement, change of professions, depressions and suicides are examples of how “burn out” creeps in and can break one from within.
What to do?
You can look for help, try to identify if you are unknowingly suffering and yet in denial that everything’s ok. Talk to your seniors and supervisors, discussing issues which are causing trouble, no matter however small it may seem, but trust me, at the end of the day its “only you” who can help yourself. It’s overwhelming in trying to do everything correct, knowing everything and making everyone happy. We are humans, and have limitations, and it applies to everyone, try to focus in one task at a time, set your priorities and keep taking small progressive steps.
With time everything will fall in place, and you can connect the dots of why it all happened. Try to unlearn some things, to learn something new, and never forget why you came in the first place. The good thing is, you can do many things to create a distraction from the monotony and get recharged. Go for a run, meditate, learn new skills, short road trip, whatever you like to do, be with family, play with your kids, and find that “balance”. It’s important to remember that you are doing much better that what you think. You have broken a lot of barriers, in trying to reach where you are now, and all you need to do is believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
Best wishes,
Moloy Rajkhowa