Burnout in Public Health: How to Recognize It and Take Control
Burnout is a silent epidemic affecting countless public health professionals. With heavy workloads, limited resources, and the emotional toll of the work we do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In our recent Public Health Club session with Marissa McKool, the Public Health Burnout Coach, we unpacked the root causes of burnout and strategies to combat it. This session is available on-demand in the Public Health Club—your go-to community for professional development, resources, and support. Join today to access this conversation and take the first step toward reclaiming your time and energy.
Key Takeaways:
Burnout Looks Different for Everyone: Burnout is a spectrum, and it’s not always easy to recognize. Marissa shared that physical symptoms like indigestion, sleeplessness, and hair loss can be indicators.
External vs. Internal Triggers: External factors like high workloads and limited funding play a role, but internal habits like people-pleasing and perfectionism amplify the problem.
Burnout Isn’t "Normal": Just because burnout is common in public health doesn’t mean it’s inevitable.
How you can identify burnout before it happens:
Start by identifying early signs of burnout in yourself. For example, is your workspace more cluttered than usual? Are you snapping at loved ones more often? Reflect on your patterns and begin journaling to track how you’re feeling daily.
Create a Personalized Burnout Checklist: List common burnout indicators you’ve experienced and monitor them weekly. For example, track changes in your sleep quality, eating habits, or emotional state.
Incorporate Wellness Breaks: Schedule five-minute mindfulness breaks three times a day to check in with yourself.
Ready to tackle burnout?
Watch the full session with Marissa McKool on-demand in the Public Health Club and get access to expert strategies and tools to thrive in your career.
