Burn out

What is burn out? Burn out is defined as cynicism, detachment, reduced professional ability, and exhaustion. Burn out occurs often amongst behavioral health professionals. We go 1000% daily, don’t take adequate time off work, work off the clock, answer calls and emails during off time. We are under valued and under paid and often don’t engage in our own self care. We often miss the initial signs until they are waving like red flags in the wind. We get so focused on “rescuing” or “saving” others that we forget to take care of the #1 client, OURSELVES! I will always remember the saying “you have to put on your mask first”. It is challenging sometimes to remember those words when you are in the thick of it, but it is extremely important. I know this because I found myself there a couple of weeks ago.

Although I still love what I do and where I do it, it had become somewhat monotonous and just unenjoyable. I found myself waking up at 4:30 am dreading going to work. I found myself staring at the computer screen saying why am I here. I found myself complaining more to my significant other about the job, my coworkers and my employer. I found myself no longer finding meaning in the work I was doing. I knew I needed to change something.

I took a week long vacation, the first time I had done that since working for this employer and actually TOOK a vacation. No emails, no calls, no checking the teams chat, nothing! I also went to the doctor to discuss how I was feeling and that is when I was diagnosed.