Emotional burnout: methods of dealing with the syndrome

Karina Shinder , dermatologist, cosmetologist, specialist in injection techniques

In the previous article we talked about the functions of emotions and symptoms of emotional burnout. Now let's figure out what this syndrome includes and what methods of combating it you can apply in your practice.

This syndrome includes three main components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (cynicism) and reduction of professional (decrease in personal) achievements (Maslach and Jackson, 1993, 1996):

• emotional exhaustion – a feeling of emotional emptiness and fatigue caused by one’s own work;
• depersonalization – a cynical, indifferent attitude towards work and the objects of one’s labor;
• reduction of professional achievements - the emergence of a feeling of incompetence in one’s professional field, awareness of failure in it.

In the course of research, three types of people who are at risk of CMEA were identified:

The first type is “pedantic”. Characterized by conscientiousness raised to the absolute; excessive, painful neatness, the desire to achieve exemplary order in any matter (even to the detriment of oneself).

The second type is “demonstrative”. Characterized by the desire to excel in everything, to always be in sight. At the same time, they are characterized by a high degree of exhaustion when performing unnoticed, routine work, and overwork is manifested by excessive irritability and anger.

The third type is “emotive”. Characterized by unnatural sensitivity and impressionability. Responsiveness, the tendency to perceive other people's pain as one's own borders on pathology, self-destruction, and all this with a clear lack of strength to resist any unfavorable circumstances.

SEV includes three stages, each of which consists of four symptoms:

Stage I – “Tension”. Characterized by the following symptoms:

• dissatisfaction with oneself,
• "trapped" in a cage"
• experiencing traumatic situations,
• anxiety and depression.

Stage II – “Resistance”. Characterized by the following symptoms:

• inappropriate, selective emotional response,
• emotional and moral disorientation,
• expansion of the sphere of saving emotions,
• reduction of professional responsibilities.

Stage III – “Exhaustion”. Characterized by the following symptoms:

• emotional deficit
• emotional detachment
• personal detachment,
• psychosomatic and psychovegetative disorders.

Burnout is not just a result of stress, but a consequence of unmanageable stress. According to Grainger (1994), “Physicians are taught a lot about the theory and practice of medicine, but little about how to take care of themselves and cope with the inevitable stresses.”

Naturally, doctors are somehow trying to find a way out of this situation themselves. There is a so-called escape from the current situation, in particular, the use of psychotropic substances (alcohol, drugs) and, as an extreme option, suicide.

What methods of combating burnout can we apply in our practice?

1. Work and rest schedule. Doctors working in private medicine, who do not have a stable salary, tend to work as hard as possible and take on all the work that is available. You just need to plan time for rest and strictly follow this plan, regardless of the amount of important and urgent work.

2. The ability to delegate difficult tasks. The presence of an administrator/assistant who takes on part of the work greatly facilitates the doctor’s communication with the patient. The presence of a second/third cosmetologist in the clinic also simplifies interaction with difficult people. Having a more experienced colleague who you can turn to in case of an emergency significantly reduces your stress level.

3. Ability to switch. After finishing work, do not think about work.
4. Having a hobby. This is one of the switching options.

5. The presence of a “higher goal”, “mission”. Working solely for money also leads to rapid burnout.

To prevent SEV, foreign authors propose a scheme of three R’s:

1. Recognize – Requires you to watch for warning signs of burnout;
2. Reverse – (Reverse development) – stress management and the ability to find support;
3. Resilience – (Stability) – resisting stress, taking care of your physical and emotional health.