Burnout in Healthcare Professionals: 3 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

When trying to balance all the ups and downs that life throws at us, it is so easy for us to exhaust ourselves until we burn out. It is essential for healthcare professionals who prioritize their patients' well-being every day to take care of themselves as well. Burnout in healthcare is incredibly common, given the demanding nature of the work. Identifying burnout early can help in addressing it before it becomes more severe and impacts care. 

Here are three key signs to look out for burnout:

Sign #1: You’re More Irritable or Short-Tempered Than Usual

Do you find yourself…

• Snapping at patients, colleagues, or loved ones more easily?

• Feeling like small requests are unbearable?

• Getting home exhausted and reacting with impatience?

These are common examples, and not to shame you, but to help you recognize that anger and irritability are often a symptom of being burned out. 

Sign #2: You’re Feeling Detached or Cynical

Are you noticing yourself:

• Thinking in generalizations like “these patients never listen”?

• Feeling numb or emotionally checked out during appointments?

• Making snap decisions based on assumptions instead of curiosity?

  
  

Treating patients as objects rather than individuals and distancing yourself from them emotionally can be a way to cope with burnout, but it isn’t always the best patient care. Finding new ways to cope can be more productive for all involved. 

Sign #3: Your Empathy Feels Depleted

Again, no judgies, but have you caught yourself:

• Rushing patients who need more time or support?

• Feeling annoyed by emotions — your own or others’?

• Struggling to stay present during conversations?

We know this list might feel uncomfortable — but if you see yourself in any of these patterns, you're not alone, and you’re not “failing.” These are signs of stress, and they’re exactly the kind of things that therapy for healthcare professionals can help with.

If you notice yourself slipping into one of these behaviors and want support, we have a therapist just for you! 

Meet Carla — a therapist who specializes in virtual therapy for medical professionals navigating chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and grief. She is available for new clients in New York and is In-Network with UMR, Aetna, and United. She also supports clients using Out-of-Network benefits.

Book a consult