A while back the World Health Organization added burnout to its list of diseases. The definition of job burnout, according to them relates to stress caused by a person’s job or workplace. The symptoms of burnout include feelings of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when those feel overwhelmed, empty, unable to meet constant demands, and emotionally drained. When job-related, people often find it difficult to get their work done.
Typically, a full-time job consists of at least a 30-hour workweek. Coincidentally, it’s also the amount of time, if not less than, I spend dealing with things that I wouldn’t have to if I didn’t have a spinal cord injury. Over the years, these 30-hour weeks add up and can take a mental and physical toll on an individual. There is a big difference between a standard workweek and a “spinal cord injury workweek”. It’s that there’s no escape from the daily tasks of living with an injury.
The spasms, pain, accessibility issues, caregivers, battles with insurance and everything else that comes with having a spinal cord injury never really go away. Most people can take a vacation from their job to escape any build-up of emotions or stress. Although those of us with SCI’s often dread traveling because of the added stress caused by it. Burnout is often inevitable when living with a spinal cord injury, making it especially hard to take a break from current situations.
It’s important to find ways to manage the stress and have a variety of relief tools since there is no vacation from the injury. Some people have an ability to bear down and push forward through the difficulties involved. Although that doesn’t always work for everyone and may only help for a short period of time.
Those with spinal cord injuries deal with unique but similar situations that only us in the community can understand. Being a C-1 C-2 quad paralyzed from the neck down and on a ventilator for almost 18 years now takes its toll on me. I’m always trying to find ways to keep moving forward despite my situation. That is why one way to vent frustrations is to talk to someone who understands the same thing one’s going through.
Another thing that is important when dealing with stress is to take care of oneself physically. Often our bodies tend to take a toll on what goes on. It can cause situations such as struggling to cope, depression, high blood pressure, weight gain, and even ulcers. All these can add up, complicating the problems that come with spinal cord injuries.
Some short-term stress relievers include exercise, doing yoga, meditating, guided imagery, muscle relaxation, listening to music and going outside. Long-term stress relievers can include aromatherapy, getting a hug, doing artwork, eating healthy, and doing leisure activities. Also, develop a positive self-talk habit. The way one talks to themselves matters.
Jenni
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” -Christopher Reeve
No comments:
Post a Comment