Burn out: caregivers in psychological distress feel helpless

The adage that shoemakers have the worst shoes sometimes finds an illustration in everyday life. This could, for example, apply to nurses and orderlies who shouted their fed up and their suffering at work in many cities in France at the start of the week. Is this malaise symptomatic of a more general situation that concerns all health professionals? The online survey entitled “Suffering of health professionals” and carried out in November 2015 by the firm Stéthos international answered in the affirmative. The study then revealed that almostone in two caregivers had already been burnt out or at high risk of burn out.

Psychological distress which is accompanied by an increased risk of dependence on alcohol or anxiolytics still pointed the investigation.

Problem, health professionals feel helpless in case of psychological suffering. Three-quarters of carers surveyed* say they would seek help if they were ever in distress burn-out type Where addictive behavior. But right now, they don’t know where to turn.

A national toll-free number to help caregivers in distress

Faced with this observation, the association Care for health professionals announces the establishment in December of a national toll-free number and a platform with dedicated services (reception, orientation, support, etc.). “The platform that we will put in place will have to guide the professional in these adapted structures that we have identified”, specified Eric Henry, president of the association and vice-president of the National Center for Health Professionals (CNPS), quoted by the Pharmacy monitor.

*Survey on the expectations of health professionals in the event of psychological suffering, carried out by Stethos for the SPS between September 19 and October 10, 2016 among 4019 people (not yet available online).

Read also: Burn out: health professionals affected by professional exhaustion

Suffering hospital nurses