All Things Burnout #physicaltherapy and Otherwise

Part II - The Compassion Conundrum

Welcome back, folks!

 In our last thrilling episode, we dove headfirst into the murky waters of burnout, exploring its prevalence, the why’s, and the head-scratching issues around defining it. Today, we’re picking up where we left off and venturing into the realms of compassion and the peculiar risk of burnout for those who love their job a tad too much.

**Is Burnout Having an Identity Crisis?**

Ah, the age-old question: Is burnout a mental disorder? Well, the DSM-5, which is like the Bible for mental health professionals, doesn’t think so. Instead, it’s dubbed an “occupational phenomenon,” which sounds like a fancy way of saying, “It’s your job, not you.” But don’t worry, we’ll dive into how to manage this beast later on. For now, just know that employers who tackle burnout head-on have a leg up in the corporate race.

The World Health Organization (WHO), not wanting to be left out of the conversation, also categorizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). They break it down into three not-so-fun dimensions:

1. Feeling like you’re running on empty.

2. Developing a mental moat around your job, complete with cynicism crocodiles.

3. Feeling about as effective as a chocolate teapot.

So, by the powers vested in definitions, burnout is officially a work disorder. Remember how we mentioned that some fresh-out-of-school medical students show up to their first day already feeling the burn(out)? It’s a real pickle.

**The Compassion Fatigue Conundrum**

Let’s talk about the sidekicks of burnout: emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue. Think of them as the Robin to burnout’s Batman. Compassion fatigue is when you’re so emotionally drained from caring for others that you start to lose your ability to empathize. Symptoms include irritability, trouble focusing, and feeling like you’re not making a dent in the world.

Imagine a physical therapist at a rehab center, constantly surrounded by patients in pain. Over time, the constant exposure to suffering and the pressure to alleviate it can lead to compassion fatigue. Suddenly, they’re feeling more like a wrung-out sponge than a healthcare hero.

To dodge this emotional bullet, it’s crucial for healthcare pros to practice self-care, lean on their colleagues, set boundaries, and engage in activities that recharge their batteries. This is all part of a grand scheme to manage burnout, which we’ll explore in future posts.

**The Curious Case of Caring Too Much**

Here’s a plot twist: Research shows that compassion fatigue can sneak up on caregivers who focus more on their own emotional reactions than on their patients’ experiences. It’s like being so caught up in your own drama that you forget you’re supposed to be listening to someone else’s. When the spotlight turns inward, the term “empathic distress fatigue” might be more fitting. It’s a reminder that it’s not always about you.

This self-centered emotional response can make it seem like your reactions are more important than the patient’s needs. To combat this, try taking micro-breaks and practicing self-compassion before extending it to others.

**The Passion Paradox**

Here’s a heartbreaker: If you love your job, you might be at a higher risk of burnout. It sounds counterintuitive, but passion can be a double-edged sword. When you’re all-in on your job, saying “no” becomes as difficult as turning down a free massage. This can lead to skipping breaks, neglecting self-care, and eventually, burnout.

For those who find their identity or purpose in their work, the risk is even greater. Many newly minted therapists start with a bang, only to feel the burn(out) after about 90 days. That’s why checking in with yourself during this critical period is essential for prevention.

**Wrapping Up This Emotional Rollercoaster**

Whew! That was a lot to unpack. Burnout and its buddies, emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue, are no joke. But understanding them is the first step to managing them.

Got any thoughts or experiences with compassion fatigue? Ever felt the burn(out) despite loving your job? Share your stories and join the conversation!

And hey, if you’re enjoying this wild ride through the world of physical therapy, consider subscribing to my Substack. For a treasure trove of past wisdom, check out EIM’s blog, where over 350 posts await your eager eyes. Feel free to share this free newsletter with fellow therapy enthusiasts and burnout battlers. Lastly, 100% of all proceeds from my book Called to Care: A Medical Provider's Guide for Humanizing Healthcare goes to Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

Till next time, keep those spirits up and those stress levels down!

larry

@physicaltherapy