As a doctor you will likely be familiar with the signs and symptoms of stress. What can be challenging is recognising stress in your own circumstances and having the resources to effectively manage and resolve it.
Workplace stress
Stress is characterised as being either acute (short duration or episodic) or chronic (prolonged and potentially injurious). It is necessary to recognise and act on workplace stress before it becomes chronic and leads to more ongoing and serious health problems.
Signs of workplace stress include:
Altered sleep patterns / inability to sleep
Altered appetite / nausea
Physical and / or mental exhaustion
Altered mood including feeling unusually angry, helpless or irritable
Inability to concentrate
Increased / excessive substance abuse
Relationship difficulties
Altered job motivation
If you are experiencing any of these signs due to workplace stress, it is important to act before it exacerbates.
Occupational burnout
Occupational burnout can be the result of unaddressed chronic workplace stress and is defined as a syndrome (as opposed to a medical condition) that occurs when chronic stress is not managed effectively.
Occupational burnout leads to harmful impacts on workers and their employment relationship, as it can manifest via severe frustration, loss of motivation, cynicism and disengagement from the job.
Common signs of occupational burnout include:
Altered mood
Feelings of isolation
Loss of motivation
Energy depletion
Physical and mental exhaustion
Altered sleep patterns
Headaches and digestion issues
Unaddressed workplace stress and burnout can have long term mental health impacts. Even reasonable workplace expectations can result in harmful stress.
That is why it is critical to understand what is causing it and how to implement preventative strategies to address it.
Actions you can take if you are impacted by workplace stress or burnout
Know your workplace rights including as they pertain to workload management – refer to clause 41 of the DIT Agreement.
Ensure you have a support network outside of the workplace to discuss any impacts your job is having on you.
Have a regular GP who you trust and report any work-related matters that are impacting your health and wellbeing to your GP.
Access our Peer Support Service for free, confidential support and advice.
Contact your AMA Workplace Ambassador or the AMA Workplace Relations Team for advice and assistance with work related issues or to schedule a time to talk.
Contact the AMA Victoria Professional Development and Careers Team for proactive advice and assistance with career related matters or to schedule a time to talk.
Click here to learn more about your DIT EA.
And if needed, we are here to support you – email us at [email protected]
Gina Moore is a Workplace Relations Advisor at AMA Victoria and Victoria Industrial Officer at Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) Victoria.