Know the Signs of Provider Burnout

Mental health professionals are trained to prioritize the well-being of their clients, but this focus can inadvertently lead to self-neglect. Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment are all hallmark symptoms of burnout. Left unaddressed, it can lead to more serious mental health issues and diminished clinical performance.

Just as you advocate for patient self-care, mental health providers themselves must also rest, reset, and – when necessary – receive support.

Did you know?

Ninety-three percent of behavioral health workers report they have experienced burnout, with over 60% endorsing moderate or severe levels of burnout. In 2023, following the acute period of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 90% of providers were concerned about equitable access to care and their ability to provide care in a future health crisis.

Two in five psychiatrists are estimated to have professional burnout in 2025. Burnout can disproportionately impact providers of color due to stressors like discrimination or lack of inclusion.

It’s a sobering statistic. With our focus on the mental wellness for our patients, it can be easy to overlook. Investing in your own mental health doesn’t detract from from your care, it is essential to sustaining it.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Burnout

Knowing the symptoms is absolutely key to improvement. You might be experiencing burnout in your daily life if you notice any of the following:

• Exhaustion: Persistent fatigue, emotional and physical exhaustion, difficulty sleeping. Increased irritability, low mood or hopelessness.
• Negativism: Detachment from your patients, increased cynicism and negative feelings about your work. A sense of failure, self-doubt or a loss of empathy.
• Ineffectiveness: Declining work performance or satisfaction, difficultly completing tasks. Social withdrawal and low morale.

If any of these resonate with you, it’s important to note that it’s not a personal failure. It’s just a signal that you may need care and attention as well.

Where to Turn for Support

You are not alone, and help is out there. Whether you’re seeking peer support, professional counseling, or institutional tools for change, there are resources tailored specifically for mental health providers facing burnout.

If you’re starting to see the warning signs of burnout, start by exploring these resources from the American Psychiatric Association that can help.