WATCH OUT FOR BURNOUT!

Whitman County Sheriff’s OfficeChaplain Ron McMurray

Definition “Burnout is a state of physical, emotional,

and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situation.” Pines and Aronson

“Burnout is used to subscribe a syndrome that goes beyond the physical fatigue from overwork. Stress and emotional exhaustion are part of it, but the hallmark o burnout is the distancing that goes on in response to the overload.” Maslach

Compassion Fatigue “The natural behaviors and emotional that

arise from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by a significant other – the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized person” – Figley

Overexposure to trauma – loss of definition – can’t visualize the trauma any longer.

Personal Trauma – when we fail to care for our own trauma we set up the opportunity for C.F.

Differences

Unlike burnout, Compassion Fatigue can emerge suddenly and without warning.

Symptoms are often disconnected from the real cause.

Faster recovery than burnout.

Harsh Realities to Face Average of 150 police officers are killed each

year in Line of Duty Deaths ( collisions, accidents, shootings, stabbings, etc. )

Average of 400 police officers a year are killed by suicide. ( stress and burnout that leads to alcoholism, DV, divorces, drug abuse ).

Statistically what is the greater danger for police officers?

Burnout – Crispy Critter Emotional exhaustion – “I feel emotionally

drained from my work.” Burnout is the disease of the over-committed

(expect more from self than can perform). Burnout occurs from excessive job demands,

being emotionally overextended and exhausted by one’s work, feeling “drained”.

Police work will harden you, desensitize you to feelings of others. Resents superiors.

Must remember: You are having a positive influence on the lives of others.

Burnout !

Psychological Symptoms Feeling of anger and resentment

towards public, family, organization. Negativism – “Everyone is a scumbag.” Feeling of guilt and blame Depression – low morale Feeling discouraged and indifferent Sense of failure Feeling powerless and hopeless Nomadic – move from one dept to

another trying to avoid being stagnant.

Physical Symptoms Feeling tired during the workday Fatigue ( stay up late, waste time,

buy on impulse). Exhaustion – low sex drive. Sleep disorders Frequent headaches Frequent colds and flu Frequent vague aches and pains

Behavioral Symptoms High Absenteeism Postponing client contacts Avoiding discussions at work with

colleagues Irritability with clients and co-workers Avoiding work responsibility Working harder and getting less done Marital and family conflicts Rigid, demanding, refuse to

acknowledge wrong.

Major Causes of Burnout Work Environment, Individual Issues, Stress.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Role Conflicts Ambiguity – having several meanings therefore

confusing you as to what to do. Autonomy – “I am an army of one” = B.S. or

“I don’t need anyone else.” = Defeated cop. No opportunity to participate in decisions. Lack of control over one’s job. Repetitive job – same old stuff day after day.

Individual Issues Young idealistic professionals who have

unrealistic expectations about the job. “ I am going to save America”. - Realistic expectation: “ I am going

to do the best job I can within the boundaries of my training and expertise.”

- “ I am making a difference but understand that it may not always be appreciated.”

- “ I will be responsible to God, the Sheriff, and my co-workers for my actions.”

Individual Issues Empathetic people who pour too much of

themselves into their job ( nothing left for the spouse, significant other, children, family, friends).

Perfectionism Pessimism Type A personality – choleric, hard driving,

most cops have this type of personality so are difficult to work with at times.

Excitability – not thinking when it hits the fan.

Happy Home Life?

Stress Eustress is good stress that motivates

you to perform or do the job.

Distress is bad and will defeat you, cause you to screw up, get hurt, or hurt someone else.

Cumulative stress: like grains of sand that keep piling up on you they can eventually smother you.

Police work is high stress work so must have stress coping mechanisms.

Stress vs. Burnout Over engagement

Disengagement Over-reactive emotions Blunted

emotions Hyperactivity

Helplessness and

hopelessness Anxiety disorders Paranoia,

detachment,

depression Damages physical (heart) Damages

emotional Will kill you prematurely Not kill you

but feel that

your life is not

worth living.

Combating Burnout Become more tolerant of the right of

others to think and feel differently than you do.

Learn to say “NO” to things you don’t want to do.

Simplify your life ( decrease your $$$ debt).

Say to yourself each day, “I don’t have to be perfect.”

Keep your situation in perspective by looking around you and seeing those less fortunate than you.

Combating Burnout

Relaxation – hobbies, sports, vacations, etc.

Exercise Eating well balanced meals. Be positive – don’t let cynicism rule

your life. Find fun distractions ( concerts,

football games, fishing, hunting, family events)

Get professional help if you need it.

Terrorist Stress

Rules to Live By Don’t take yourself too seriously, laugh

at self from time to time. Don’t be a cop at home (pack a gun,

write down all license plates in neighborhood, etc.)

Don’t have only cops for friends. Take time off and get out of the area. Assign a positive role model supervisor. Find someone to talk to who will listen

and tell you the truth about yourself.

Final Word It is a sign of strength to be able to

admit you may have a problem with burnout.

Burnout causes low morale in a department so learn to control it rather than allowing it to control you!

Seek a positive role model who has a successful career, is positive, has a good reputation for self-control and doing a good job.

THE END