Special Edition: COVID-19 (2-4-22)

COVID Burn Out

In a New York Times article, author Dani Blum (2022) shared that the definition of burn out is an all-consuming feeling of exhaustion and detachment. Burn out can occur within a person’s job as well as within their home and personal life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have continued to cope with this devastating virus. They have had to alter their personal, professional, and social lives. People have had to deal with more uncertainty, death, and trauma throughout the last two years. Within this article, the author discusses that people can only deal with so much trauma and this pandemic has continued to plague society in many ways. Due to the constant state of instability due to the pandemic, people are experiencing depression, fear, anxiety, fatigue, medical issues, and unstable relationships as well as finances. People are beginning to become numb to their surroundings or on the other spectrum in a constant state of fear. People are feeling isolated, hopeless, and angry.

There are signs that can show that you are having burn out symptoms. Some include avoidance of the news, feeling numb, hopelessness, fatigue, and angrier than usual, and/or using alcohol or substances.

There are ways to work through burn out. The first is to recognize that you are burned out. Second, you can reach out for support and assistance to your local behavioral health unit or medical provider. Other ways to address burn out is to take time for yourself, exercise, spend time with family and friends, avoid negativity, take time away from work, get plenty of sleep, meditate, or talk to your spiritual advisor (Help Guide, 2021).

With the support and help, people can work through burn out and find a new stability in their life during this turbulent time in society.

Blum, D. (2022). ‘Worry burnout is real’. Retrieved 1/25/2022 from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/well/worry-burnout-covid.html

Help Guide. (2021). Burnout prevention and treatment. Retrieved 1/25/2022 from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

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