- Page navigation anchor for Prevalence of burnout among GPs: a systematic review and meta-analysisPrevalence of burnout among GPs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
As a GP, I'm at risk of suffering burnout. As a GP I find it rewarding to manage. This is my experience. People who suffer burnout are mostly exceptionally motivated, very capable individuals who perform at high levels of intensity for prolonged periods. Often, they have perfectionistic traits which make it hard to delegate. Because of their competence, they accumulate more and more work-related responsibilities. They rarely give a history of sick leave. Insidiously, over a period of months their ability to perform is blunted and they lose perspective. They feel broken and overwhelmed, but still work. They have lost their resilience and feel at their wit's end.
Be sympathetic – it's a lonely place to be. It is important to "head it off at the pass", before things worsen. Ask about mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and any alcohol or substance overuse. Exclude possible underlying physical issues such as thyroid disease, coeliac disease, anaemia, chronic fatigue syndrome etc. Since most people feel guilty for taking time off work, explain that time off work is not only therapeutic – it is diagnostic. I find it helpful to give a fit note for two weeks, ask the patient to inform work, and then stop checking all work-related emails. Encourage them to exercise at least one hour twice daily. I tend to review at two weeks. By this stage the patient should feel marginally better, and perhaps a little relieved. I find...
Competing Interests: None declared.