close

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, CheckUP acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

Search

Search

Suggestions

Outreach programs

Membership

Health workforce

Health services

Online training

Provide feedback

Queensland Mental Health Week

Who we are

CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.

View all

Partner with us

There are so many ways you can support the work of CheckUP and our vision of better health for the people and communities that need it most.

View all

News & publications

Read the latest news and publications from CheckUP.

View all

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.

Visit website

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.

Visit website

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.

Visit website

Additional resources

There are plenty of additional resources available to help you prevent burnout and offer support. Here is a selection below.

Remember, your health comes first! Take time to nurture it!

The Queensland Government’s Your mental wellbeing website has Apps, Courses and Podcasts to help build resilience and improve mental wellbeing.

Visit website

Mental Health First Aid Australia highlights ways to navigate burnout.

Visit website

 

 

 

Beyond Blue features advice on recognising and managing burnout.

Visit website

St John Vic offers ways to prevent burnout at work.

Visit website