Transformational Change Institute

How can you tell when you are burning out, and what can you do about it once you know? You might be able to tell whether you are burning out or just under stress by doing a simple test. Ask yourself if it seems like it's too
much or like it's not enough. If it feels like too much, if there are too many things to do, life seems to be crowding in on you, you are overreacting; then you are probably under stress.  Stress is a precursor to burnout so it should be taken seriously. The effects of stress are mainly physical. If it feels like nothing is enough, and you feel emotionally dulled and blunted, if you feel detached, unmotivated and depressed, then you are probably burning out. The effects of burnout are mainly emotional. Neither burnout or stress happen overnight, so if a trusted friend points out that you are behaving differently, and describes you using the terms above, then listen to them. It's not always obvious from the inside that you are behaving differently. Of course, if you you are feeling good about your life, then you probably aren't on your way to burn out. Congratulations. But if you are curious about what do do if you are feeling stressed or burned out, then read on. 

What to do after you evaluate the situation? Well, you can evaluate some more, and sometimes that's helpful. For example, you could take the Maslach Burnout Inventory and that would give you an idea of how close to burnout you are. But the first thing to is to find help. That could take many forms, and here are a few:

Confide in someone. Find someone who is understanding and tell them what is up with you. Find a sympathetic friend who will judge you wisely and kindly, and let it out. Stress is like a pressure cooker, and sometimes you just have to let some steam off before anything else can happen.

Find a support group.
Locate a facilitated group in which you can share your issues with a group that understands and can offer support. Studies have shown that facilitated groups can actually reduce the effects of stress. There are many groups on line. I offer in-person facilitated groups of no more
than 8 people, and there are on-line discussion forums here on this site as well. Just click here or navigate from the links to the left.

Accept feelings you have.
You may be angry at care receivers, administration, or family members. You may be glad sad mad or scared. Let all of it be o.k., including not having the feelings you expect to have an a situation. 

Educate yourself.
This really is mostly for volunteer or at home caregivers, since most nurses know a lot about the issues confronting their patients. Anything
you can do to understand the situation from the care receiver's point of view will help you.

Create and maintain boundaries. Understanding your own limitations, and creating and setting realistic boundaries
around time commitments and tasks will help you maintain equilibrium. Say yes to only those things you can really do, and say no to the rest.