Warning Signs

Stress, fatigue and burnout affect everyone differently. Some warning signs that you might not be coping as well as usual include (but are not limited to):

• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Feeling ‘down’ most of the time
• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
• Increased self-criticism and irritability
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Worrying about things that would never usually worry you
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Lowered performance at work
• Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs.

Any of the above can occur from time to time, but it’s when they happen frequently and start to negatively affect your life day-to-day that you need to think about getting some support or help (see below). Read more here about signs of burnout/anxiety/depression/substance abuse.

Impact of shift work and fatigue

Have you thought about the impact of shift work and fatigue on your practice as a doctor? Most doctors are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of their patients. The irony, of course, is that our own work conditions may make it challenging to stay healthy at times. Long hours, rushed meals, not enough sleep and shift work are all an integral part of our work. These factors put us at risk of fatigue and clinical error. Read more here about fatigue and shift work, including strategies for managing these.

All 21 DHBs and the RDA recently agreed to provide a free online training on fatigue and shift work. Although it may feel like a chore to do this, especially if you are already feeling fatigued, there is real benefit in learning about fatigue and how to manage shift work and our rosters better. Email your RMO office if you want to do the free course.

Where can I get support?

You don’t have to be in crisis to access help and support to maintain your health and wellbeing. Some options are provided below, see more here.

Talk to someone you trust. Keep in mind that you should always approach your own health professional (ie, your GP) for treatment.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). All hospital RMOs on the DHB MECA and GP trainees on the GPEP1 MECA have access to fully funded counselling through EAP. This is a confidential service. Call 0800 327 669 or book online.

Medical Protection Society (MPS). All MPS members have access to fully funded confidential counselling through MPS (four to six sessions). Call 0800 225 5677, your call will be answered by a Medicolegal consultant who will direct you to the counselling service. This is a confidential service.

Beating the Blues. Your GP can refer you for free online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). For more information see http://www.beatingtheblues.co.nz