Looking after yourself “Dealing with Stress and preventing Burnout”

Prevention and awareness is better than burnout

Burnout feeling emotionally drained and exhausted by one's work negative or very detached feelings toward clients or patients evaluating oneself negatively and feeling unsatisfied with positive job performance and achievements Maslach C, Jackson S. The measurement of experienced burnout. J Occup Behav. 1981;2:

Stress : Consequences on health and behaviour Increased irritability Sensitivity to criticism Tension/nerves e.g. nail biting Sleep problems Increase alcohol, cigarettes etc. Indigestion Loss of concentration

Consequences on feelings Less enjoyment of life Lack of self worth Withdrawal Aloneness Powerlessness

Who is at risk for burnout Believe an inflated risk for HIV Fear of contagin Unresolved prejudices Disatisfaction with work role and workload No internal coping strategies

taking care of ourselves better care of others

Coping at work Use whatever support/mentoring Work regular hours and take breaks Exercise and regular eating Tackle over dependence on alcohol etc. Learn to relax!

Coping at work Ask for help if you need it Accept offers of practical help Do one thing at a time Realistic limits Talk to someone Don’t try to do what you can’t do

Coping at home Do something enjoyable Let off steam in no harm ways – sing, shout Spend time with people who are rewarding Set aside 10-15minutes a day Remove possible distractions – telephone, radio, internet etc.

Coping at home Find a comfortable chair/place Check your breathing – make it deeper and rhythmical Check around your body – for any tension Deliberately stop thinking of your work ( sometimes closing your eyes helps, sometimes it doesn’t)