A study of work related injuries in Australia showed that 6 % of all injury claims in 2005 were related to mental stress but as much as 21 % in dollar funds of injury moneys spent were awarded to stress related work injuries , as mental health problems tend to be more expensive and lengthier to treat. Stress at the work place is pending on personal factors, professional standards and requirements and organisational factors of the employing business. “Stressful” usually means an inability to cope or borderline competence to deal with work demands. What some see as stressful others see as challenges and exciting opportunities. A measure of stress helps to stay awake, makes us to concentrate and with some laughter we can all overcome the sinking feeling, when the week is beginning, known as Mondayitis. To much and persistent stress will raise adrenaline levels permanently , prevents relaxation and consequently lead to exhaustion , poor productivity , burnout , depression and might lead to High Blood Pressure, Hear disease , low immunity and even cause cancer. Recognize Burnout in yourself and others!:
1. Emotional exhaustion , inability to engage fully with many aspects of the job ,
2. Depersonalisation , tendency to depersonalise those with whom one is forced to interact , all tasks become simply part of a routine.
3. Perceived or real Lack of personal accomplishment at work
How to halt burnout? It is clearly now recognized and laid down in Australian health and safety laws that the employer has a duty by supervising organisational structures to prevent constant excessive hours , the regular taking home of work , conflicting demands , unrealistic goals and targets , constant pressure. It is naturally in the interest of any business and in the interest of productivity to look after their employees.
At a professional level learn to recognize if stress or failure to cope is due to lack of skill ( competence deficiency) which can be corrected by up skilling and learning , delegation to appropriately skilled colleagues. Try to remain open to changes and learn to see them as challenges rather than hurdles. Discuss stressors timely and openly with colleagues and line management. How do others manage it?
At a personal level , look after yourself, take regular time out ( breaks , holidays), have a hobby , social life and friends , enjoy your kids and wife while they are young and there for you, take up regular physical exercise, keep a sense of humor and regularly laugh at work an incredible productivity riser.
Don’t Selfmedicate! It’s so easy to fall for a reward chocolate or a drink which soon become more than 2 on a busy days evening.
Don’t be afraid to make changes if you not comfortable at your job look how you can do it better if you cannot improve or get positive feed back don’t be afraid to even leave it.
Value strong and healthy relationships with your colleagues, clients, friends , family
Find a GP and see them once a year for a health check and if stress overcomes you , to be an objective observer and advisor to find your way through it as well as help you through the treatment should have it gone to far.
Helko Schenk
Geraldton Medical Group
31 8 2009
Sources:- “When work is stressing you out” ABC.net.au/health 7/05- “7 tips to prevent burnout” Professor Rowe 8/09 Medical Observer- “compassion fatigue and burnout” AFP 6/05- “ Burnout” patient.co.uk
1. Emotional exhaustion , inability to engage fully with many aspects of the job ,
2. Depersonalisation , tendency to depersonalise those with whom one is forced to interact , all tasks become simply part of a routine.
3. Perceived or real Lack of personal accomplishment at work
How to halt burnout? It is clearly now recognized and laid down in Australian health and safety laws that the employer has a duty by supervising organisational structures to prevent constant excessive hours , the regular taking home of work , conflicting demands , unrealistic goals and targets , constant pressure. It is naturally in the interest of any business and in the interest of productivity to look after their employees.
At a professional level learn to recognize if stress or failure to cope is due to lack of skill ( competence deficiency) which can be corrected by up skilling and learning , delegation to appropriately skilled colleagues. Try to remain open to changes and learn to see them as challenges rather than hurdles. Discuss stressors timely and openly with colleagues and line management. How do others manage it?
At a personal level , look after yourself, take regular time out ( breaks , holidays), have a hobby , social life and friends , enjoy your kids and wife while they are young and there for you, take up regular physical exercise, keep a sense of humor and regularly laugh at work an incredible productivity riser.
Don’t Selfmedicate! It’s so easy to fall for a reward chocolate or a drink which soon become more than 2 on a busy days evening.
Don’t be afraid to make changes if you not comfortable at your job look how you can do it better if you cannot improve or get positive feed back don’t be afraid to even leave it.
Value strong and healthy relationships with your colleagues, clients, friends , family
Find a GP and see them once a year for a health check and if stress overcomes you , to be an objective observer and advisor to find your way through it as well as help you through the treatment should have it gone to far.
Helko Schenk
Geraldton Medical Group
31 8 2009
Sources:- “When work is stressing you out” ABC.net.au/health 7/05- “7 tips to prevent burnout” Professor Rowe 8/09 Medical Observer- “compassion fatigue and burnout” AFP 6/05- “ Burnout” patient.co.uk
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