Burnout
Hello! I am writing to tell my story (in case it helps someone else, I am here to share my experience) and also because I need some advice.
I am a medical resident in the pediatrics field. I finished medical school in 2022 and start working in 2023 (in my country after medical school you have to take a big national exam and after that, based on your sore you choose your field and city)
After I started to work I had a very bad period. I had a lot of panic attacks, constant anxiety, fear of death, brain fog, lack of concentration, I usually felt like I wasn't living own life and I had a lot of physical symptoms too. I did some therapy, started practicing yoga, go to church, I took some plant based medication. I started to feel better after a year or so. After that I started to feel pretty numb. I went to work, came home, sleep and loose time. I never had the motivation to do anything and I always felt tired. I started to go to gym, read more, reduce time on my phone, because I felt like my life was passing by. I still feel lack of motivation in a lot of things, going out with fiends, learn, doing house chorus.
After analysing this period I came to the conclusion that I was in burnout after that big scary national exam and the people at work were toxic. In my first months of working my supervisor was always telling me that I am not good enough, and make me feel like I don't deserve my place. All of this was overwhelming. But I do belive that this attitude and the fact that I started to work and my life changed came in a very bad moment because I was already in burnout. Now I feel better with my anxiety, I haven't hat a panic attack for a year. I am proud of myself for that. I still have some moments where I feel anxious but I can control them.
My problem now is that I changed my supervisor, again, and now I have a lot of work. I feel overwhelmed and very tired all the time. I don't know what to do, not to fall again. How can I prevent burnout? Can somebody help? Thank you! Sorry for the long post. And for everyone fighting with anxiety, I promise you that Time and small things will help, even if you cannot see the light on the and of the tunnel. You can find joy again, you can have a normal life.
@easyKitten3223
Hello! Thank you for sharing your story so openly and honestly your journey is incredibly inspiring and will undoubtedly help others who are going through similar struggles. It’s clear that you’ve been through so much and have shown immense strength and resilience in navigating those challenges. It’s not easy to reflect on difficult periods, let alone share them, so you should feel proud of yourself for taking this step.
First of all, congratulations on overcoming such a tough phase. Managing anxiety and panic attacks, and reaching a point where you’ve gone a year without one, is a huge achievement. It’s also amazing that you’ve been proactive in seeking therapy, practicing yoga, and building healthier habits like reducing screen time and going to the gym. These are no small feats, especially in the midst of a demanding profession like medicine.
Your experience with burnout and a toxic work environment is unfortunately something many people in high-stress fields face, but recognizing the signs early is already a powerful first step in preventing it from taking over again. It’s clear that you’re very self-aware and reflective, which is such an asset in navigating these challenges.
Here are some suggestions that might help:
1. **Set Boundaries at Work:** It’s tough in a demanding field like medicine, but try to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. If possible, prioritize tasks, delegate when appropriate, and don’t be afraid to say no to unnecessary responsibilities.
2. **Micro-Restoration Practices:** Even small breaks during the day whether it’s a 5-minute walk, breathing exercises, or stepping outside for fresh air can help reset your mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
3. **Lean on a Support System:** Whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, or a therapist, having people to talk to and share the load can make a world of difference. Don’t hesitate to seek support when things feel heavy.
4. **Celebrate Small Wins:** Just like you’re proud of controlling your anxiety, take time to acknowledge small victories every day. These can be as simple as completing a task or taking time for self-care.
5. **Explore What Replenishes You:** Outside of work, focus on activities that genuinely bring you joy and relaxation. It could be art, music, cooking, journaling, or anything that feels nourishing to your soul.
6. **Keep Your Long-Term Goals in Mind:** Remember why you chose this field and what you hope to achieve. Sometimes reconnecting with your “why” can reignite motivation and give you clarity on what truly matters.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. You’ve already shown incredible strength, and it’s okay to have moments where you feel tired or unmotivated. You’re human, and the fact that you’re still standing, trying, and sharing your story speaks volumes about your resilience.
You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You’ve already come so far, and I believe in your ability to navigate what’s ahead. You’ve got this.
