Feeling overwhelmed in your patient advocacy career?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often marked by a loss of enthusiasm for work, cynicism, and ineffectiveness. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial to addressing it. Common symptoms include: Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, depleted, and exhausted Cynicism: Feeling hopeless, detached, and disconnected from work Reduced professional efficacy: Feeling ineffective, incompetent, and unable to perform tasks

As a lactation consultant, I've experienced burnout firsthand. It's crucial to recognize the signs early and take proactive steps towards self-care. For me, regular breaks, connecting with peers, and setting boundaries have been vital in maintaining my well-being and sustaining the empathy needed to support new mothers effectively. Remember, seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.

I've found that making time for self-care is essential in maintaining my ability to support others effectively. Regular yoga sessions, mindfulness practices, and spending quality time with my family have been instrumental in keeping me balanced and energized. By prioritizing my well-being, I'm better equipped to provide the compassionate care and support that new mothers need.

When others ask about this, I recommend the book "Great at Work". One of the key points they make is that after 50 hours a week of direct work, people's performance decreases, and after 55 hours, they suggest that performance drops so severely that someone working 55 hours is just as productive as someone working 70 hours. In addition, prolonged overworking has negative health effects, and it can cause chronic conditions and mental health challenges, which is a high risk leading to absenteeism when the majority of us have to work 30-year careers. TLDR-Work is a marathon, not a sprint.

To say this best there are a few layers to what to do. Day to day- an auto newsletter about pertinent topics in your area, read the local paper and listen to podcast regarding the issues you are dealing with Week to week, meet for coffee with people you can teach or learn from and work for 30 minutes on your passion project. Month to month-Depends the month; in the summer, apply and learn about alternate and new funding sources. and in the fall apply for one funding source per month(you learn a ton) Year to year-Pick 3 skills you want to improve and take a course in.

Identify stress points and consider changes like improving patient interaction techniques, seeking extra training, or altering your work environment. Talk to your manager about how you can adjust to help better manage stress. Reflection helps you adapt your career to reduce stress and improve satisfaction.

When feeling overwhelmed in your patient advocacy career, consider the following: Time management: Poor time management can lead to burnout. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and maintain a schedule to avoid overcommitting. Self-care: Neglecting self-care can exacerbate burnout. Prioritize physical and mental well-being by engaging in regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep, and practicing mindfulness. Support networks: Building and maintaining a support network is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Seek support from colleagues, friends, and family.

As leaders, we have to recognize that the best way to advocate for the patient/community is to establish trust. The best way to establish trust is by trusting your partners. Show that you not only support YOUR organization, but also support them and theirs.