Burnout in the Social Care Sector - Blue Sky Social Care Card

Firstly, what is burnout?

“Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress.”

Why is Burnout so common within The Social Care Sector?

Those in the Social Care Sector, are working a high stress, high demand, mostly thankless job where they are interacting with vulnerable individuals daily. They work so hard taking care of others, it becomes difficult to take care of themselves because they are already too exhausted from working/caring.

Burnout is very common within the Social Care Sector. Burnout means coming to end of our mental, physical and emotional energy reserves. Leaving them exhausted, drained, foggy headed, irritable and finding it difficult to cope with everyday life.

A big side effect of burnout which is common within the Social Care Sector is compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is the feeling of becoming exhausted from caring for others and losing the motivation to care. This is difficult as it can lead to harsher effects such as guilt, anxiety and depression.

Burnout out is not reserved for those in employment in the sector. For those who care for loved ones, burnout can be severe and regular, as it’s a relentless, round the clock job and those feelings around not wanting to care can feel worse when it’s to do with a loved one.

This is why it is important to look out for those signs of burnout instead of carrying on until we crumble.

What are the Signs of Carer Burnout?

Feeling depressed, emotionally numb or detached.
Feeling anxious, everything is bothering you, possible irritability, snapping.
Mentally blank, slow, confused, foggy, unable to focus.
Bad appetite, not eating, bingeing, quick/easy food.
Physical exhaustion – everyday tasks feeling too hard to complete.
Self-neglect – letting the basics slip away from you.
Neglect for the person you support – impatient and irritable.
Instant gratification – bad habits, smoking, drinking.
New or worsening health problems – frequently ill/rundown, dehydrated.
Wanting to avoid social interaction – distancing yourselves to avoid feeling like a burden.

Doing Your Best to Avoid Running Out of Steam

Being able to gauge your own stress will be your biggest asset. Learning to recognise that you feel a certain way and putting the breaks on before you begin the spiral into burn out is easier said than done.

Sometimes it takes someone else looking in to recognise that you are not yourself. Ask trusted family, friends or co-workers to keep an eye on you and look out for these signs.

Listen to the people in your life if they say you need a break, it will be coming from a loving place, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

Try your best to take the time to do little things you enjoy, breaking away from anything causing stress

Self Care is Crucial

Do you best to get plenty of sleep.
Relaxing hobbies, such as reading, music, films, crafts.
Exercise, even if it’s a little walk. Exercise pumps the brain’s feel-good transmitters (endorphins) helping to diminish some of that stress.
Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water, you will not feel good in yourself unless you are supplying yourself with good meals

Burnt out & Need Help?

Get in touch with mental health services, such as Mind, they can provide support and crisis information.
If you are caring for a loved one, you need to make your GP aware, they can offer support, this can also be registered on your medical records as a reference for your mental and physical health.
If you have one, contact your social worker. Social services have a duty of care when it comes to the wellbeing of carers.
Find solace in the embrace of people just like you! There are plenty of support groups, forums and helplines available for you if you are struggling.