Written by: Tomi Mitchell, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Everywoman.
Not just women of color, not just Caucasians, but every woman in the world who has fought to achieve something great in life has faced burnout. Women are caregivers by nature and have an innate desire to take care of others. As a result, we often burn ourselves out.
March is historically Woman's History Month. For 2022, the theme is Providing Healing, Promoting Hope. This theme is powerful, as it recognizes that there has been hurt and pain in the lives of women; hence healing is needed. This theme recognizes that there can be restoration, accountability, and change, for which promoting Hope recognizes.
There is no rest for someone in the healthcare profession, whether it be an EMT, nurse, doctor, or even a receptionist; burnout can be felt among all types of women in various medical fields.
According to the University of Pennsylvania's Nursing School website, "High levels of burnout elevate risks for serious health conditions such as depression, obesity, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems." This persistent stress is detrimental to our health.
For many front-line workers, there has been constant stress. We have experienced elevated heart rates when rushing through into a high-stress situation or towards the bed of a critically ill patient. The overhead page of code blue, which indicates a critically ill patient, strikes a nerve for those of us who have worked in the hospital. So many times, in my career, I have run through the hospital halls, rushing to the unit that someone needs help. I remember feeling my heart pounding and my mind racing to consider what exactly I would be walking into. Also, as a patient having post-delivery complications, I have been the patient where I was crashing, and in a severe crisis, so I understand both sides. I have also been a patient, and at the same time, hearing a code overhead, rushing to the ICU unit, fearing the worse, as my child was the infant that required critical care. Repeat traumas are relived each time we are faced with similar life-threatening situations. Despite the emotional and physical tolls these situations place on us, we push forward because of duty and love of life and family. Burnout-its real. We need to get real. The emotional toll of repeat traumas in our lives is so necessary to address. You might think you are solid or stoic, and that could very well be so. However, you are human, and you need to embrace the entire human experience. Burnout is real because you have feelings and care, and you should not be ashamed. To my fellow women who need hope and healing, I stand by you in solidarity. Together, we will get through the challenges life throws our way.
Tomi Mitchell, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Tomi Mitchell, MD, is a leader in the health & wellness industry, known for her advocacy for social issues, including health reform. She believes in the whole person's approach to life and health. Rather than resorting to quick fixes, she gets to the root of problems by taking the time to understand her client's emotional, physical, mental, environmental, financial, spiritual, and social health. She believes these factors affect individuals' behaviors and beliefs about themselves and others. Dr. Tomi Mitchell believes that people feel lost or overwhelmed when there is a loss of balance - which is why she takes such a holistic approach with each client's situation. Dr. Tomi Mitchell has appeared in many publications, including but not limited to Thrive Global, Fox, NBC, CBS, Global News, CBS & many other news outlets. She has her own blog & leads two ClubHouse clubs and has been a guest speaker numerous times. She is a game-changer, and she gets her client's results and refuses to compromise her integrity by sugar-coating issues. Using over 10 years as a family practitioner and certified life & health coach, she is able to help her clients create transformational, long-lasting results!
