Stress and Burnout in Caring Professionals
Highlight: Working in caring professions, such as chaplaincy, healthcare and education, can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Stress and burnout can have serious consequences for both professionals and the people they care for. In this article, we explore the key strategies for handling stress and burnout in caring professions, including chaplaincy, healthcare and education. We will explore stress and burnout in caring professions, their impact, strategies for managing stress and burnout, the role of organizations in preventing burnout, and self-care strategies for caring professionals.
Caring professions such as healthcare, education, and chaplaincy are vital for the well-being of individuals and communities. However, these professions come with unique stressors and challenges that can lead to burnout. Burnout is a psychological syndrome that results from chronic stress at work, leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
Stress is a physical and emotional response to external or internal stressors that threaten our well-being or exceed our coping abilities. Stress can be acute or chronic and can lead to burnout, which is a more severe form of stress. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs when the demands of work exceed the resources available to cope with them. Burnout is characterized by feelings of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and reduced professional efficacy.
Stress and burnout are prevalent in healthcare and education professions. According to a literature review by Pinto et al. (2019), burnout rates among healthcare professionals range from 10% to 80%, depending on the specialty and country. Teachers also experience high levels of stress and burnout, with a recent Australian study by Kokkinos and Davison (2021) finding that up to 35% of teachers reported high levels of burnout. School chaplains can play a role in supporting staff, teachers as well as students through support, education and appropriate referrals.
Several risk factors contribute to stress and burnout in caring professions. Factors in caring professions such as long work hours, high workload, lack of control, and exposure to trauma and death can contribute to stress and burnout (Shanafelt et al., 2016). In education, factors such as low pay, heavy workload, lack of autonomy, and student misbehaviour can contribute to stress and burnout (Kokkinos & Davison, 2021). In chaplaincy, secondary trauma from exposure to other trauma and suffering can contribute to stress and burnout (Schafer et al., 2021).
Stress and burnout can have severe consequences on chaplains’ physical and mental health. Chronic stress and burnout are associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders (Shanafelt et al., 2016). Burnout can also lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced empathy, and depersonalization, which can negatively impact client care (Pinto et al., 2019). In education, high levels of teacher burnout are associated with lower student achievement, higher absenteeism, and higher teacher turnover rates (Kokkinos & Davison, 2021). In chaplaincy, burnout can lead to turnover and decreased effectiveness in providing spiritual care to individuals and families (Schafer et al., 2021).
There are several evidence-based coping strategies that can be employed to manage stress and burnout in caring professions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is one such strategy that has been shown to be effective in reducing burnout and improving well-being in care professionals (Shanafelt et al., 2015). MBSR involves training individuals to pay attention to the present moment and to be non-judgmental and accepting of their experiences.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is another effective strategy for managing stress and burnout. CBT involves identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive and helpful ones (Powers et al., 2019). Problem-solving therapy (PST) is also effective in reducing stress and burnout, particularly in healthcare professionals (Liu et al., 2021). PST involves identifying and solving problems in a systematic and structured way.
Physical activity and exercise have also been shown to be effective in reducing stress and burnout for caring professionals (Sharma et al., 2021). Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and can also improve sleep, which is crucial for managing stress and burnout. Building and maintaining strong social support networks is also important for managing stress and burnout. Having a network of supportive colleagues, friends, and family members can provide a source of emotional support and can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
While individual coping strategies are important for managing stress and burnout, it is equally important for organisations to implement strategies to prevent burnout from occurring in the first place. Organisational support is crucial for preventing burnout, and resources and support systems should be put in place to support professionals.
Counselling services such as employee assistance programs, debriefing sessions and ongoing supervision can provide chaplains with a safe space to discuss their experiences and emotions. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can also provide access to mental health services, referrals, and support (SAMHSA, 2020). It is also important for organisations to provide resources such as adequate staffing levels, manageable workloads, and sufficient resources to support chaplains in their roles. This is referred to under industrial law as the employer’s role to ensure employees are working in psychologically safe work environments.
In addition to organisational support, professionals in caring professions must also prioritise self-care to prevent burnout. Strategies for practising self-care include engaging in hobbies and leisure activities, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in regular exercise and physical activity.
Taking breaks and disconnecting from work is also important for preventing burnout. Chaplains should prioritise taking regular breaks throughout the day, as well as taking time off from work to recharge and engage in self-care activities. In a study by Hotchkiss & Lesher (2018) the strongest protective factors for chaplains against burnout in order of strength, were self-compassion and purpose, supportive structure, mindful self-awareness, mindful relaxation, supportive relationships, and physical care.
In conclusion, stress and burnout are significant issues that impact professionals in caring professions. It is essential for school and community chaplains to understand the causes, symptoms, and effects of stress and burnout to support their well-being and better serve the people in their care. Additionally, organisations can play a vital role in preventing burnout by offering resources and support systems for their staff. Coping strategies for managing stress and burnout include self-compassion, self-care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy, physical activity and exercise, and building and maintaining strong social support networks. Self-care strategies such as practising hobbies, exercising, and time with loved ones, taking breaks, and disconnecting from work are also crucial for preventing burnout. There are many resources available for school chaplains and other professionals in caring professions to address stress and burnout. These resources include research articles, support groups, professional organizations, and mental health services. By implementing coping and self-care strategies and seeking support when needed, school chaplains can continue to provide essential services to while maintaining their own well-being. Addressing stress and burnout is an ongoing process that requires individual and organizational effort.
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