eral are more likely to perceive they are having a problem , and are more willing to ask for help . Men typically do not – at least of their own volition . In a competitive world , admitting distress and asking for help is synonymous with weakness . So the first step is admitting you have moved well beyond your comfort zone , and you need others to help you sort out this dilemma . Thankfully , there are existing professional wellness evaluation resources available through the major Louisville hospital systems and our GLMS ( see sidebar for more information on services available to help ). For example , at Norton Healthcare , we have a confidential Professional Wellness Program that provides confidential coaching and peer support for providers in the medical group . In addition , an Emotional Support line and rapid access to mental health treatment ensure that when someone is ready to ask for help , there are no delays . Typically , two to three sessions with a trained therapist or psychologist familiar with professional burnout can help answer the crucial question : “ Are you stressed out versus burned out ?”
Screening tools ( such as the Maslach scale ) can measure the severity of three main symptoms of burnout : Exhaustion , Depersonalization and Lack of Efficacy . If you are having the vegetative symptoms of clinical depression ( insomnia , poor appetite , lack of concentration , etc .) then a psychiatric referral may be in order to discuss the benefits of medications ( even short-term can help ). Your primary care physician or close personal colleagues can help steer you towards appropriate care . But assuming many physicians would procrastinate or hesitate to seek counsel , are there things we can personally do to address the burnout dilemma ?
Assuming you have accepted that burnout is here to nudge you on to a new or different professional path , there are some concrete steps to help cope :
1 ) Quit being so hard on yourself . The “ inner critic ” in all of us can drive powerful negative emotions . These distortions can hijack your mind and body , and drain your confidence .
2 ) Get off the tracks others have laid for you to follow . You need to follow your own path .
3 ) Learn to journal – and be brutally honest . This can include a master list and a description of what your “ ideal practice ” would look like . This will become your blueprint for change !
4 ) You need to identify someone who can serve as a mentor or sounding board – and commit to regular strategy sessions ( at least one hour / week ). You must work on your practice not just in it . What do I want to change ? When do I take the first or next step ?
5 ) Wellness in all areas of your life – physical , financial , spiritual – will be necessary to promote your emotional wellness .
A big warning - please don ’ t just complain or blame others for how you feel . The responsible parties for preventing your burnout are your organization and you ! Clearly , our organizations must do
MENTAL HEALTH much more to address this manpower epidemic . However , playing the victim does little to move you forward and can alienate the very people you need in your life to help pull you out of the downward spiral . You deserve to feel your work is meaningful and matches your values , establishing a life that feels purposeful including feeling compassion for others . Your attempt to make these necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes will be as unique and varied as we are as individuals . Yet , we have a shared mission as healers that binds us to a higher purpose . Regaining professional happiness all starts with accepting there is a problem , recognizing burnout is a dilemma that can be managed , and that self-care and open-mindedness prepares you for the needed changes ahead .
Dr . Wernert , MHA , is the Executive Medical Director of Norton Medical Group and practices with Norton Behavioral Medicine .
RESOURCES FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
GLMS PHYSICIAN WELLNESS PROGRAM The Physician Wellness Program was designed as a safe harbor for physicians to address normal life difficulties and physician burnout in a confidential and professional environment . This free , confidential , expedient counseling service is available to all members and no insurance is billed .
Counseling services are provided by Raskin & Associates . Call 502-394-9990 to set up your confidential appointment .
NORTON Providers employed by the Norton Medical Group can call the Norton Behavioral Medicine HUB at 502-446-5610 to connect with services or the Professional Wellness Program .
BAPTIST Baptist Health Employee Assistance Program offers up to 5 confidential counseling sessions for employed providers or anyone living in their home . To schedule an appointment , the employee or family member can call 800-327-7354 .
UofL The University of Louisville provides several resources to students , residents , and faculty .
The Employee Assistance Program is available to university employees at no charge and provides confidential counseling , assessment and referral services . The program deals with the broad range of issues such as emotional / behavioral , family and marital , alcohol and / or drug , financial , legal , and other personal problems . For more information , visit https :// louisville . edu / hr / benefits / additional / eap .
The University of Louisville Campus Health Services provides Behavioral Health and Mental Health Services to both the Belknap and Health Sciences Campuses . Services are open and free and include psychiatric services and counseling services . For more information , visit http :// louisville . edu / campushealth / services / behavioral-health-services .
Health Promotion strives to help students succeed academically and personally by promoting healthy lifestyles and creating a healthy campus environment . For more information , visit https :// louisville . edu / healthpromotion .
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