Burnout Prophylactics: Professional Self-Care

Abstract

We all have our own definitions-our own experiences- of burnout, of fatigue borne of caring too much. We work with people who are sick, traumatically injured, dying. We work in environments with increasing administrative pressure for billable "productivity." We and our coworkers are equally stressed out and grappling with feeling helpless. The purpose of this chapter is to spark your own inner wisdom about how to take care of yourself, even in the midst of profound suffering. While the bulk of what follows is academic, or at least intellectual, including clinical definitions of key concepts, prevalence data, evidence base for various interventions, and concrete tips, the real "take away" is in cultivating your practice of listening to your own heart. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)