BURNOUT Rev. Thomas Konopka, LCSW-R
Many people will say they are burned out; but are they? According to the Mayo clinic, “job burnout is a type of stress linked to work. It includes being worn out physically or emotionally. Job burnout also may involve feeling useless, powerless, and empty.” Technically, burnout is not a disorder, but it may be a result of a drive to be perfect, unhealthy thinking patterns, or self-expectations. If you are concerned about yourself, the Mayo clinic has a list of questions at this link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642 Depending on your responses, you may need to consult a mental health professional, a life coach, your medical professional, etc. This could be the time you commit yourself to your own mental, physical, and spiritual health. I worry about the clergy who are “frying” and do not realize it. From personal expereince, it is a long road to a new healthy normal.
At this same site, there is a list of possible causes and risk factors. This is where the hard work begins because these are the areas where change happens. For example, do you need to change the work/life balance? I like the question: Do I live to work or work to live? As I often say, I have never done a funeral with a casket for the deceased and one with their possessions. To develop a good balance between work and play is important at any age. In many cases, taking a vacation is not a luxury, it is a necessary part of good mental health. For people of any faith, a time of retreat spent with the Sacred is essential for good spiritual health.
So, if you are experiencing any of the causes or risk factors, then changes need to be made. My suggestion is to create a concrete plan that is followed. Saying no is often the first step and it will be the hardest step. We all have to come to terms that we are not God, and we do not need to save the world. For us Christians, Jesus already did it. We must all learn to practice good self-care. Remember, we are made in God’s image and are treat each other with dignity, including ourselves. Learning to relax will feel almost impossible if we are always on the move. Learning to play will seem a waste of time because play is not about an outcome; it is about having fun. What many people fear is if they slow down, then their minds will not. Racing thought and not finding it possible to stop them can be exhausting. How do you stop?
You and I stop by living mindfully. Many people will say that mindfulness is not compatible with Christianity. Someone should tell the monks in the monasteries who have practiced this for centuries. The focus of the Jesus prayer is mindfulness. Living in the present moment of the Kingdom of God is to live mindfully. So, how do you do it? Practicing mindfulness is to live with intentionality. Here is one example: Sit in quiet in front of an icon of Christ. Pay attention to your breath. Breathe from the belly slowly. Allow any thoughts or feelings to pass through. Keep focusing on the icon or a part of the icon. No words are needed. To begin, do this for 5 minutes. The beauty of it is that you can return to this place in reality or in your mind throughout the day. Breathing is life; go and reread Genesis 1. God breathed the universe and each of us into life.
As you start facing burnout, you may realize that you will need to make changes or the burnout is covering something up. Again, do not be afraid to seek some help. You are worth it.
f you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for someone to talk to. This is a 24 hours/7 day of week hotline. If you feel unsafe or are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room. You matter to someone who loves you.
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