This transcript has been edited for clarity.
Let’s be real. Medical school and residency are demanding jobs, and we are going to be working way more hours than some of our peers. It is super important to take care of not only our physical health, but also our mental health during this time.
Let’s talk about signs of burnout and some signs that you might need to take a mental reset.
Number one is chronic fatigue and poor sleep. If you’re noticing that you’re tossing and turning in your sleep or you are staying up with anxious thoughts and worries, this could be a sign that you are experiencing burnout.
Also, if you suddenly find yourself getting sick more often than usual, it could be your body’s way of telling you that you are stressed, you are in a high cortisol state, and as a result, your immune system isn’t able to fight off illness as best as it can. Then, of course, there are emotional signs, too, like feeling sad, lonely, and isolated.These can all be signs of early-onset depression.
It is super important to recognize signs of burnout during residency and medical school because there is help if you need it.