Emotional Exhaustion – What is it?  

Emotional exhaustion is the result of prolonged fatigue due to being emotionally, physically, and cognitively strained due to work conditions. Research shows that emotional exhaustion had been on the rise pre-covid, with covid only exacerbating the issue. Emotional exhaustion is also a key component of burnout.  

How do you know if you are experiencing emotional exhaustion?  

Signs of Emotional Exhaustion 

  • Apathy and/or Detachment  
  • Depression  
  • Anxiety  
  • Decreased professional and self-efficacy  
  • Unhealthy eating  
  • Trouble Sleeping and fatigue  

How does emotional exhaustion affect patient care?

Increase in cynical attitudes

Cynicism is the belief that others aren’t sincere when it comes to their motives and principles. This cynic attitude leads to a decrease in empathy towards patients. 

Decrease in Empathy

A provider’s empathy has been shown to improve not only the relationship between providers and their patients, but also the patient’s medication adherence.  

Detachment 

Physicians may pull away from emotionally engaging with a patient, which can result in the depersonalization of a patient. Depersonalization refers to “emotional and cognitive disengagement from one’s job and a distant, cynical attitude toward it.” This detachment may lead to a neglect in duties, such as small things like washing hands or a medication error.  

Increase in turnover

It was found that emotional exhaustion is the main contributor to increased turnover intention with physicians. 

Fatigue 

Clinician performance may decline due to the fatigue that one may experience from emotional exhaustion. For example, sleep deprivation impaired a surgeon’s hand-eye coordination when performing an (artificial) laparoscopy.  

Addressing Emotional Exhaustion: A Healthcare Provider’s Responsibility

Emotional exhaustion poses significant risks to patients and can erode trust in healthcare providers. Therefore, it’s crucial to address it promptly to maintain high-quality care. Here are some effective strategies to cope with emotional exhaustion: 

Practice Mindfulness: Studies show that individuals with low mindfulness levels are more prone to emotional exhaustion. Incorporating mindfulness practices can help reduce symptoms. 

Get Creative: Art therapy methods have been proven to be an effective treatment for emotional exhaustion. Engaging in creative activities can provide a sense of relaxation and emotional release. 

Set Boundaries: Maintaining a clear distinction between work and personal life is essential. Blurring these boundaries can exacerbate symptoms of emotional exhaustion, such as fatigue, lack of relaxation, physical activity, and healthy eating habits. 

Lean on Your Community: Medical doctors who feel supported by their community, including friends, family, religious institutions, colleagues, caregivers, or support groups, often experience lower rates of emotional exhaustion. Sharing experiences with colleagues during stressful events can also contribute to emotional well-being. 

Take Breaks: Taking short breaks, such as going for a walk around the building, grabbing a coffee or tea, or closing the door to your office for a few minutes, can be great coping strategies. 

Seek Professional Help: A professional can provide valuable tools and guidance to equip you with the necessary skills to overcome and prevent further emotional exhaustion. 

Emotional exhaustion affects people from various industries. Remember, you’re not alone in this. We hope this article was helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact SafeHaven to learn more about our confidential program.