Cause and Prevention of Burnout

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Causes and Prevention of Burnout in Human Services Monica Dgezits BSHS461 September 13, 2012 Rick Bazant Psyd Causes and Prevention of Burnout in Human Services In this paper I will discuss burnout of the human service professional, factors that cause burnout, and methods to prevent burnout. It will also discuss personal reactions and response to personal and work-related stress as well as insights that may reduce the effects of burnout. By nature, human service professionals are compassionate and kind. They dedicate their time and energy helping others. Most often people who chose this field tend to focus solely on other people’s well-being and ignore their own. This neglect can lead to alcoholism, depression, fears, and even suicide. The job of helping others is not easy filled with long hours and little or no recognition. The job hazards of a human service provider include physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, the development of negative self-concept, negative job attitudes, and a loss of concern and feelings for the client. These professionals should understand the importance of self-care to avoid burnout. After all it is difficult to help people when suffering from burnout. It is unethical to treat clients while suffering from burnout. The ethical principles of the NASW, ACA, APA, and the AAMFT, clearly states that burnout impairs the ability to treat the client competently and that the therapist should consult a colleague and take remedial action before assisting any clients. This incompetence can cause considerable harm to vulnerable clients (Zur, Ph.D., n.d.). Causes of Burnout Possible causes of burnout may be individual personality, cultural, organizational, lack of social support, supervisory, or perfectionist, has high stress and frustration levels, impatient, quick to anger, and loves to compete.
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