Overview
Burnout and depression among nurses.
The causes of burnout and depression among nurses.
The consequences of burnout and depression for nurses and their patients.
Strategies for preventing and managing burnout and depression as a nurse.
BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION AMONG NURSES
According to the World Health Organization, burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.
While depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men. Worldwide, more than 10% of pregnant women and women who have just given birth experience depression. More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–29-year-olds. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI), nurses experience clinical depression at twice the rate of the general public. Depression affects 9% of everyday citizens, but 18% of nurses experience symptoms of depression.
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that most nurses suffer from burnout and depression yet the victims are too frightened to admit that they are indeed suffering. This maybe due to the fact that they are afraid that they will not be trusted with patients and they cannot accept that they need care when they have always been in the caring role.
THE CAUSES OF BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION AMONG NURSES
Depression among nurses has been proven to be associated with burnout, which is a syndrome that contains three components, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, decreased personal accomplishment, and it originates from prolonged job pressure. “Medicine is a profession that does not give much thought to mental illness,” says John M.
Grohol, PsyD, the founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of PsychCentral.com. “It is not within their realm of treatment.” Since medicine is concerned with what it can see, touch, and heal, mental health concerns are often shunted to the side. Nurses not only dismiss the idea of depression in their profession, but they also do it to themselves. This only causes the feelings to multiply.
Here are a few causes of burnout and depression in nurses;
Long hours of shift work
One of the major causes of burnout and depression among nurses is the long hours and shift work that are common in the profession. Many nurses work 12-hour shifts, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. Working long hours can lead to sleep deprivation, which can in turn cause fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability. Shift work can also disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to further health problems.
Poor work-life balance
Many nurses have difficulty balancing their work and family life, which can lead to marital problems and difficulties with parenting. Children of nurses who work long hours may experience behavioral problems and emotional difficulties. Shift work can also lead to social isolation, as it can be hard to maintain friendships and relationships outside of work.
Stressful working conditions
Working in a hospital can be stressful and demanding, even under the best of circumstances. Nurses often have to deal with traumatic events, such as death and suffering. They may also be exposed to infectious diseases and other health risks. In addition, many nurses feel a great deal of responsibility for their patients' lives and well-being. Also when a hospital is understaffed, nurses often have to work longer hours and take on more tasks than they can handle. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and resentment. It can also put patients at risk, as nurses may not have the time or resources to provide the best possible care. This stress can take a toll on their mental and physical health.
Difficult patients and families
Nurses often have to deal with patients and families who are difficult or demanding. This can be emotionally draining, and it can add to the stress of the job. Some patients may be combative or aggressive, while others may simply be very needy or demanding. Families of patients can also be difficult to deal with, especially if they are experiencing stress or grief.
EFFECTS OF NURSING BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION ON PATIENTS
Studies have shown that nurse burnout is associated with an increased risk of medication errors and patient falls. Burnout may also lead to higher rates of hospital-acquired infections. In addition, when nurses are depressed, they may have trouble communicating effectively with their patients. This can lead to miscommunication and errors in care. Nurses who are depressed or burned out may have trouble concentrating and making decisions, which can put patients at risk. Also, these nurses may have less empathy for their patients, which can lead to a decline in the
quality of care.
STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING AND MANAGING BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION AS A NURSE
These are some strategies for the prevention and management of burnout and depression;
Work-Life Balance
To fight nurse burnout, you first need to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life, where both aspects are given equal importance. This balance can reduce burnout by preventing overworking and allowing sufficient time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Find a Hobby
If you find yourself becoming preoccupied with work to the extent that it spills over into your personal life, you need to figure out a way to clear your mind and create better work-life boundaries. Finding a hobby that fuels you provides a much-needed mental break and a more defined plan for your downtime. Whether it is yoga, building model airplanes, or cooking, participating in a hobby can improve your mental and physical health and your work
performance.
Commit to a Self-Care Routine
There really is no substitute for adequate self-care. Choosing fresh and healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, tending to spiritual or religious needs, spending time with friends and family, and moving and meditating daily provide critical support for your mind and body. If establishing an entire routine seems overwhelming, try incorporating a few five-minute breaks into your day. Use this time to do something restorative, such as performing deep breathing exercises, journaling, or watching a funny video.
Take a break
When things seems a little tense or overwhelming take a break. Yes, taking breaks is a crucial strategy for preventing burnout and depression. Even a short break during a shift can help to refresh and re-energize a nurse. For example, nurses can take a few minutes to do some deep breathing or go for a quick walk. A longer break, such as a lunch break, can also be very beneficial. During a break, it’s important for nurses to focus on something other than work.
Get help
Getting help is an essential part of managing and preventing burnout and depression. If one can’t manage burnout and depression themselves it is advisable to seek help from others such as a counselor. There are many resources available to nurses, including counseling and support groups. It’s important for nurses to know that they are not alone and that there is help available. In addition, many organizations offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide access to mental health professionals.
Miss Adenaike Oluwaferanmi is a second-year Nursing student at Olabisi Onabanjo University who is passionate about writing, graphics design, and public relations. Despite her introverted nature, Miss Feranmi is an active member of the Nursing Journal Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she serves as the media and publicity officer. With so much on her plate, it’s no wonder Miss Feranmi turns to writing as a way to escape reality and recharge.