Mental Health and Burnout

Mental health is vital to the well-being of all patients and the readiness of our military forces.

What is burnout?

Burnout refers to exhaustion, emotional distance, feelings of negativity, or other psychological symptoms resulting from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress.

People can experience burnout in different ways. Some lose motivation for a job for which they once had a passion. Some may lash out at colleagues or family members or experience depression or anxiety. A common effect of burnout in the medical field is compassion fatigue. Some people manifest burnout by becoming overly self-critical.

Risks and signs of burnout

Signs of burnout include anxiety, irritability, disengagement, low mood, and exhaustion.

Isolation and overwork are common risks for burnout. Service members are highly motivated and driven to complete their mission. It's hard to pull back—even temporarily—when we demand so much of ourselves, but it's important to do so.

How to battle burnout

Self-care is critical to preventing and fighting burnout. Self-care can help to lessen the effects of workplace stress. It can also protect against burnout and compassion fatigue.

Take short breaks during your workday when possible. It's also helpful to perform activities to increase your happiness and peace of mind. These can be as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, or practicing yoga or mindfulness exercises.

Other helpful practices to reduce burnout include:

Focusing on physical wellness
Maintaining and cultivating social relationships
Establishing work-life balance
Setting emotional boundaries
Seeking professional help
- Talk to your primary care provider about effective, evidence-based treatments that can help battle burnout. This includes mental health treatment and self-care for service members and their family members.

In This Together

A sense of community and meaningful connections are strong protection against burnout. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

If you recognize signs of burnout in yourself, colleagues, friends, or family members, reach out and let them know that it's okay to take a break.

Leaders can play an important role battling burnout. Cultivate a positive work environment that lifts everyone up. Kudos, praise, caring gestures, and recognition go a long way. Be supportive of team members if they report burnout.