Burnout support for healthcare providers

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Queensland Mental Health Week

Burnout support for healthcare providers

What is burnout?

The World Health Organisation defines burnout as “a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It includes feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling negatively about work.

To monitor the mental health of healthcare workers each year, Mental Health Australia commissions a survey. The most recent 2022 Annual Healthcare Professionals Survey found that burnout rates remained high from 2020 – 2022 (80% in 2020, 86% in 2021 and 84% in 2022).

So, what can healthcare workers do to prevent burnout?

If you think you are experiencing burnout, it’s important to focus on your wellbeing and seek support when needed. These tips can help you regain balance in your life:

If you can, take a break (even a short one) to remove yourself from the root cause of stress
Prioritise your physical and mental health, nutrition and sleep
Seek support from professionals, family and friends
Do something creative or explore things that interest you

Even though it may seem difficult to prioritise yourself in challenging times when you feel burnt out, it is an important step in managing your overall health and wellbeing.

Support for healthcare professionals

In 2020, The Black Dog Institute established The Essential Network (TEN), a series of resources aiming to prevent burnout and support the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Created by health professionals for health professionals, TEN is a multifaceted e-health hub offering discrete and confidential ways to access support. Users can access five free telehealth services, personalised support and a variety of practical resources.

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The Black Dog Institute also created a separate nine step program titled Navigating Burnout, which aims to help users understand burnout and develop skills to manage their work without feeling overwhelmed. The sections are easy to complete, with some taking as little time as 10 minutes.

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Hand-n-Hand, is a registered charity founded by health professionals, for health professionals. They offer free, confidential peer support for those working in the health industry across Australia and New Zealand.

Their volunteers are experienced healthcare professionals with dedicated mental health training. Both one-on-one and group peer support are available. For more information visit the Hand-n-Hand website here.

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