Why So Many Doctors Especially Residents Suffer From Burnout Syndrome? - Dr Rahul Chawla

What is Burnout Syndrome (BOS)?

Burnout Syndrome is a subjective feeling of being emotionally drained, feeling low and unable to keep with the incessant demands at work place. It occurs in individuals without any prior history of psychological or psychiatric disorders. BOS is often triggered by toxic work environment, stress at work place and discrepancy between the expectations of the employer or boss and work output of the employee.

Burnout Syndrome is highly prevalent in medical schools and hospitals especially among residents and junior doctors because of the huge load of studies, high patient load, unrealistic demands of senior consultants on one hand and patients on the other and the dissatisfaction for not giving enough time to themselves and their families.

Medical profession is known to have a toxic senior junior relationship. There is a tendency of the system to put most of the manual work on the residents. The strict 24 hours and 36 hours duty leaves very little time for self-care, family and relationship, which makes them emotionally drained.

Due to the constant harassment, they even start hating their jobs and seek a way out. The toxic workspace is a breeding ground for depression and anxiety which in some instances leads to suicide.

How to prevent and manage Burnout Syndrome in workplace?

Burnout Syndrome hinders growth of an individual in the organisation. It not just affects his/her professional life, but personal life as well. It can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicides.

1. As an employer, hospital administrator or head of the department, it is important to identify those who are having or likely to be having Burnout Syndrome

2. Talk to the residents and listen to their complaints with compassion

3. It’s better that they let the residents have their time for family, relationships and for themselves.

4. For residents, it is imperative that they take support of someone they trust, could be a faculty or co-worker or anyone outside the hospital.

5. Take regular holidays and spend time with family and friends

6. Take short breaks while working and do deep breathing, relaxation or just go outside for a walk or fresh air.

7. If unable to deal with mood changes, seek professional help. Do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist.

Mental health is still a taboo in medical colleges and hospitals. Nobody discusses the issue openly. Constant harassment impairs the quality of work which in turn leads to more scoldings at rounds and this vicious cycle goes on like that. It is important for us to break this chain and get rid of this mentality of ‘just because we have faced it, our juniors must face that as well’.