Physician and Healthcare Worker Burnout: A Lingering Crisis

Recent Medscape data shows that 47% of U.S. physicians report burnout, and 24% experience depression—levels still near pandemic highs medscape.com+3medscape.com+3prnewswire.com+3. The top causes are paperwork, long hours, and staffing shortages . As a PMHNP, I see burnout not just as exhaustion, but as a cycle where stress reduces compassion, worsens mental health, and impairs patient care healthandenvironment.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15linkedin.com+15.

5 Practical Self‑Help Tips:

1. Demand systemic change: Join peer forums to advocate for workflow improvements and reduced admin burden.

2. Set firm boundaries: Leave work mentally when your shift ends—unplug devices and shift focus.

3. Find a peer buddy: Weekly check-ins with a trusted colleague can share the load.

4. Use micro-rests: Take 5-minute mindfulness or breathing breaks between tasks.

5. Celebrate small wins: End each day naming one positive outcome, even minor.