Burnout : A Modern Epidemic

Introduction

Sonali had big dreams when she cracked her NEET exams. Becoming a neurosurgeon had been her goal for as long as she could remember. The human brain fascinated her—the mystery, the complexity, the power it held over every part of our being. She was determined to explore its depths and contribute something meaningful to the field. Those two years of relentless preparation finally bore fruit, and her success placed her on a pedestal. She was on cloud nine. A highly revered profession awaited her—one that promised prestige, purpose, and fulfillment.

She joined her MBBS course full of energy, curiosity, and passion. The white coat she received on day one felt like a badge of honour. But within a few months, the picture started changing. The weight of expectations, the packed schedule, and the never-ending demand to be present—mentally and physically—began to erode her excitement. Classes ran back-to-back. Clinic postings demanded attention and diligence. Late-night studying became routine. Eating a slow meal felt like a luxury. Sleep, a distant dream.

Her health began to mirror her inner unrest. The spark in her eyes faded into deep under-eye circles. Her body weakened with weight loss, and her vibrant spirit began to fade. The girl who once brimmed with curiosity found herself irritated, disoriented, and fatigued. Her mind wandered more than it focused. She began second-guessing her decision to become a doctor. Thoughts of leaving medical school started creeping in—quiet at first, then more persistent.

Despite everything, Sonali persevered. She completed her graduation—somehow. With renewed hope, she prepared for her postgraduate entrance exam. She told herself things would improve once she chose her specialty. Maybe then, she would regain control over her life. Maybe, just maybe, she would finally find that elusive balance.

But life had other plans.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck—and with it came an avalanche of responsibilities, fear, and emotional burden. Healthcare systems crumbled. The world turned to doctors, nurses, and medical staff for salvation. Sonali, now a junior resident, was thrown into the frontline like many others. Endless duties became the norm. Twelve-hour shifts turned into eighteen. Days blurred into nights. Meals were skipped, sleep was compromised, and fear of infection loomed constantly. Her body, already drained, eventually gave up. One day, she collapsed during a duty shift and had to be rushed for emergency care.

Burnout—The New Epidemic

What Sonali experienced is not rare anymore. Burnout among medical professionals has silently turned into a full-blown epidemic. It’s not a buzzword—it’s a reality, deeply embedded in our healthcare system. Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged and excessive stress. In the context of medicine, where decisions can mean life or death, burnout can have catastrophic consequences—not just for the caregiver, but for the patient as well.

A doctor under extreme stress is more prone to making errors, missing important clinical signs, or losing empathy. Poor focus, muddled thinking, and emotional disconnection don’t just make a doctor less effective—they make the entire healthcare system vulnerable.

Studies show that over 60% of doctors report feeling burnt out at some point in their careers. Emergency medicine, critical care, and internal medicine see the highest rates. And these numbers are only rising.

What Causes Burnout?

The causes of burnout are multifactorial. It often begins with excessive workload—unpredictable hours, long night duties, inadequate staffing. Add to that the administrative burden: endless paperwork, electronic medical record updates, audits, and hospital bureaucracy. Then there’s the lack of autonomy—where decisions are often dictated by hierarchy, hospital policies, or protocols rather than clinical judgement or compassion.

Personal life often takes a backseat. Family functions are missed. Birthdays, anniversaries, and even funerals are skipped due to hospital commitments. There’s little time for self-care, for nurturing relationships, or simply resting.

Workplace culture in many hospitals is another contributing factor. There’s often a lack of empathy among peers and superiors. Toxic hierarchies, poor communication, and competition over collaboration only add fuel to the fire. Lack of recognition, limited resources, and insufficient support become everyday frustrations.

This toxic combination can manifest in many ways: emotional fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and feelings of detachment. Some turn irritable, others grow numb. Mistakes increase. Absenteeism becomes common. Work performance dips. Some may even experience depression or suicidal thoughts.

Chronic burnout doesn’t just affect the mind—it takes a toll on the body too. It raises the risk of hypertension, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and obesity. One health issue leads to another, creating a dangerous cycle. Left unaddressed, burnout can completely erode a person’s identity and purpose.

So, What Can Be Done?

Preventing and managing burnout requires a multi-pronged approach.

Plan your schedule wisely. Prioritize and delegate tasks where possible.

Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins, improving mood and energy.

Stay connected. Speak to friends, family, and colleagues. Venting and sharing can be deeply therapeutic.

Learn to say no when required. Your time and well-being are valuable. Cultivating hobbies, reading, painting, playing music, or simply going for a walk can reset the brain. Pursuing activities unrelated to medicine brings joy and offers a sense of identity outside the white coat.

But burnout isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a systemic one.

Healthcare organizations must take active steps to protect their workforce:

Implementing flexible schedules and reducing unnecessary administrative burden.

Introducing mental health programs and confidential counseling services.

Organizing regular wellness workshops focused on stress management and work-life balance.

Encouraging teamwork over toxic competition.

Hospital administrations must realize that a healthy, motivated doctor leads to better patient outcomes. A burnt-out doctor cannot offer compassionate care. They may be physically present—but mentally, they are checked out.

Changing the Narrative The medical profession is one of nobility, compassion, and purpose. But we must stop romanticizing the idea of the “tireless, self-sacrificing doctor.” Doctors are humans first, professionals next. They bleed, they cry, they feel overwhelmed. They have limits. And it’s time the system respected that.

The medical profession is one of nobility, compassion, and purpose. But we must stop romanticizing the idea of the “tireless, self-sacrificing doctor.” Doctors are humans first, professionals next. They bleed, they cry, they feel overwhelmed. They have limits. And it’s time the system respected that.

Just because you take a break doesn’t mean you are broken. Taking time to heal is an act of courage. It is a message to yourself and others that your health matters—that you matter.

Sonali’s story is not unique. It’s the story of thousands. But it doesn’t have to end in collapse. With awareness, systemic change, and compassion, we can rewrite the narrative.

Let’s care for our caregivers. After all, the well-being of our doctors determines the well-being of our entire society.