For GPs

Burnout: What is it, and how can GPs manage it?

Burnout is a word used to describe the result of severe stress and overwork, and represents something different from the normal reactions we have to stress. It’s been described as the dark side of self-sacrifice.

Symptoms of burnout can include:

• a sense of fatigue and/or dread when going to work
• interpersonal relationship difficulties, such as conflict with others, feelings of cynicism, or having trouble showing empathy towards others
• feelings of inefficacy and feelings of underperforming or underachieving
• emotional exhaustion, the inability to cope and feelings of being tired.

It’s important to identify if you’re at risk of burnout and take steps to manage your stress and put yourself first.

Visit the GPMHSC website and the RACGP website for more self-care and mental health resources.