In one of the segments the host, Dr. Brian Goldman, speaks to Psychiatrist, Dr. Mamta Gautam -- known as the "doctor's doctor." The most interesting portion of this segment was a quick sketch of how to tell if you, or in this case physicians, can tell that they are merely stressed or burnt out.
Dr. Gautam "advises people in stressful jobs to make themselves aware of the stages of burnout so they can seek treatment earlier."
A well drawn graphic is worth a thousand words so here's the graphic to help you figure out if you should be seeking help or everyone around you is truly dumb.
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| Graphic Credit: CBC Radio
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Once the problem is identified, what's one to do? Well, as it turns out, Dr. Gautam has something to say about this. In an article published in the Canadian Journal of Diagnosis (January, 2004) Dr. Gautam suggests the following:
1. Take
care of yourself
• Eat
properly, get enough sleep, exercise regularly
2. Get your own family doctor
3. Improve time-management skills
• Stay on top of paperwork, so as to be more efficient
4. Set priorities
• Include yourself and your family at the top of your list of priorities, not just work-related activities
• Make time for supportive family and friends
5. Anticipate and prepare for situations
• Remain in control at home and at work
6. Learn to say “no”
• Assert yourself by setting and maintaining limits
7. Take regular breaks and holidays
8. Laugh more often
• Be around people who make you laugh
9. Learn to relax
• Use techniques like meditation, visual imagery, spiritual relaxation, and practice them daily
10. Let go of the need to be perfect
• Set more realistic expectations
11. Learn to waste time
• Know that you don’t have to be productive all the time
12. Manage money better
• Live within your means
13. Acknowledge guilt
• Realize that you are feeling guilty when you think of doing things for yourself, so that you can go ahead and do these things
Source: Coping with Stress and Burnout
