FIGHTING BURNOUT!

Hey, are you stressed? Tired of school? Wondering why you chose to study in that school and even worse, a medical course? Yeah, I’ve been there, we’ve all been there.

Medical students mostly experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to the demanding nature of health study. As a medical student, you’ll feel exhausted often despite that, most times you’ll still experience a lack of physical accomplishment because you feel you’re meant to do more than you can. The days I experienced this during my last session had to be the worst. This phenomenon is known as BURNOUT- a state of physical, mental as well as emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress and is characterized by weakness, apathy and lack of motivation. Burnout leads to difficulty in concentration, fatigue, headaches, poor appetite, depression and at extreme cases suicidal thoughts. Experiencing even a mild case of burnout is detrimental to the state of your being.

I was aware of this phenomenon long before starting the session, why then did I still experience days with maddening headaches, poor eating habits and various negative emotions centered around not doing enough as a student, worse not being enough as a medical student? My reasons would center around the demanding nature of the course I’m studying, the long hours spent in school as well as to study for the perfection I craved to achieve. Experiencing uncertainty about myself and capabilities, the ASUU strike that led to an unclear future prospect for several months, financial stress and lack of self-care and rejuvenating activities. I had so many unrealistic expectations I believed in so hard, forcing myself to adhere to them ending up feeling demoralized when I failed that test or didn’t get that grade. I’m not the only one on this table as several medical students in Nigeria have experienced burnout in such extreme ways that they chose to end their lives for instance a final year medical student in DELSU over poor results and depression after all the efforts that cause burnout in 2018 according to the Dailypost.ng as well as a 300level medical student in NDU according to Punchng.com. Bright minds turned to just another number on a statistics board.

Burnout is similar to fear in the sense that it is inevitable at some point in life, a natural body reaction to stimulations and situations and what you do when you experience it makes the world of difference between giving into suicidal thoughts and remaining happy to live. Fighting burnout has to be a conscious effort in various aspects of your student life.

I’d begin with mentioning that Setting realistic goals goes a long way in shielding you from emotional trauma. The University will always be different from secondary school where you probably had things easy-going for you. Be aware of your limits early on, do not overload yourself with work. Perfection while being achievable is not a license to enduring poor mental health and making mistakes is all part of the self-development process. I learnt this the hard way.

Self-care, I’ll continually mention is a priority and a key strategy in managing burnout. Making time for activities that bring you joy, a movie, a game, a day to jam your favorite songs just to increase your life’s vitality. I am as serious as they come but even, I recognize the days I indulged in movies and games with my clique to be most refreshing without those unworthy thoughts in my head. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques during burnout induced panic and anxiety is helpful. Take deep breaths and remember you matter. Get some rest. Self-care is not selfish.

Connect, you need a support system, friends, family, church, a club or organization. Enhance your sense of belonging, seek companionship when you feel you’re all alone and miserable. I assure you, you’re far from it, people care and cherish you. Give yourself a chance to be cared for. Social support goes a long way in managing burnout especially for over-achievers like myself. Having a support system that closed that book I was nearly crying over, that forced that break, I desperately needed but refused because I wanted to do more in detriment to myself. Being a poor burnout manager, having my connections kept me sane. Super grateful for my fam.

Mark boundaries, identify and communicate your limit to others, take actions to protect your mental and physical health. Your time is yours; your space is personal; your energy is yours to expend. Nothing is in control of you. Say no to requests that are too demanding, set limits on the time you spend on school and other obligations to foster better productivity. Create distance from events that are stressful, burnout thrives on neglect to these factors. I take this personally in application to my new session resolutions.

Yes, it’s probably easier said and done, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. As I mentioned earlier, Fighting Burnout is a conscious effort, a daily attempt to remain sane no matter what you are studying in school. Increased productivity, improved sleep, greater energy, diminished stress, satisfaction and a higher sense of self-worth and accomplishment can all be achieved by fighting burnout. It is key for overall health and wellbeing. It is key for life therefore going forward, I urge you to FIGHT BURNOUT AND LIVE HAPPY.

Thank you so much for reading, share your opinions in the comment section or using the contact form. Have a great week!