Preventing burnout and substance use disorder among healthcare professionals through breathing exercises, emotion identification, and writing activities

Abstract

The introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional strain on healthcare workers, inducing immense levels of stress and workplace burnout. Health care professionals are acutely susceptible to COVID-19 exposure, ultimately leading to elevated levels of anxiety and mental illness. For example, dental professionals are at high risk due to their close work with the oral cavity. To provide temporary relief to the stress, some may turn toward substance use, especially if that individual has some form of mental illness. To curb the onset of burnout and its byproduct of substance use disorder, it is crucial to be equipped with proper tools and healthy habits that can counteract extreme levels of stress. In this article, a time-effective, 3-step method is introduced, with each activity proven to lessen the symptoms of burnout. When followed, an individual can navigate burnout's symptoms through a healthy mind and body approach. Additionally, resources to find resilience-building and mentorship programs are provided. Common substance use support groups and information regarding group meetings and contact information are listed.