From Burnout to Balance: How Online Therapy Is Helping Healthcare Workers

Due to the high demand in India's healthcare sector, stress and burnout has increased among healthcare professionals. The healthcare workforce tirelessly serves the public. However, they are currently bearing the brunt of mental and emotional exhaustion frequently without appropriate aid.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this situation. There is an urgent need for the medical community to receive mental health support. In a study it was found that work-related burnout affected 26.9% and personal burnout affected 44.6% of participants. However,  pandemic-related burnout affected more than half of the respondents at 52.8%.

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Online therapy has now become essential for helping healthcare workers manage stress and achieve a healthier work-life balance. For people who struggle to obtain traditional in-person therapy, online therapy provides a much-needed lifeline. It is more accessible and convenient.

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This blog will examine the prevalence of burnout among Indian healthcare workers and strategies for addressing it. It will also explore the effectiveness of online therapy as a kind of support.

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Understanding Burnout Among Healthcare Workers

Burnout is a condition of extreme physical, mental, and emotional tiredness caused by ongoing, high levels of stress. Healthcare workers feel emotionally drained, overburdened, and unable to keep up with demands when experiencing burnout. It not only impacts their health, but it also has an impact on the standard care provided to patients.

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In India, the problem of burnout among healthcare workers is particularly acute. The high patient-to-doctor ratio, long working hours, lack of resources, and the emotional toll of dealing with life-and-death situations daily contribute to this challenge.

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According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, the percentage of doctors in Indian settings who experience stress, depression, and burnout is severe.Amongst the participants in the study, more than 90% reported some level of burnout.

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Burnout can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to lower job satisfaction, more absences, and higher staff turnover in healthcare. It can also affect the quality of medical care. Healthcare errors and a decline in the general standard of healthcare services may result from this. Therefore, managing burnout is crucial for maintaining the healthcare system's integrity and the well-being of healthcare professionals.

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Guidelines for Managing Burnout 

1. Recognizing the Signs of Burnout: Recognizing the symptoms of burnout is the first step towards overcoming it. Chronic fatigue, sleeplessness, worry, depression, and a reduced sense of accomplishment are some of the symptoms. We should urge healthcare professionals to identify these symptoms.  It is important to encourage them to seek assistance without worrying about judgement or facing consequences to their careers. 

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2. Implementing Self-Care Practices: Self-care is essential for burnout management. It is important to promote regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep for healthcare workers. Simple methods of relaxation like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can also be helpful. Making time for pleasurable hobbies and relaxation activities has a big positive impact on mental health.

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3. Seeking Professional Help Through Online Therapy: Online therapy is a convenient solution for burnout among healthcare professionals. Platforms like Rocket Health India provide easy access to licensed therapists who specialise in burnout recovery and stress management. One can plan online therapy sessions to accommodate a hectic work schedule. This enables healthcare professionals to get help without interfering with their official duties.

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4. Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists can assist healthcare professionals in creating healthy coping mechanisms. This can involve stress management approaches and work-life balance-enhancing strategies.  A study has shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help healthcare workers. It can reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress and negative thoughts about their job (Mengin et al., 2024). With the help of therapists, medical professionals can try out various methods and get personalised guidance.

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5. Building a Support Network: Establishing relationships with colleagues and creating a support system is essential for healthcare professionals. Rocket Health India's online forums and support groups can foster a feeling of belonging and mutual understanding. Through these communities, healthcare professionals may reduce feelings of loneliness, support one another, and share their experiences.

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Why Online Therapy Can Help with Burnout

Online therapy is very beneficial for burnout among healthcare professionals because it provides a number of benefits. To start off, it offers ease of access. Due to their frequently uncertain and hectic schedules, healthcare professionals find it challenging to attend in-person treatment sessions. They can communicate with therapists via online therapy from their homes or even during office breaks.

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Second, receiving mental health care online is less stigmatising and guarantees privacy. Healthcare professionals receive help without having to worry about criticism from superiors or coworkers.  More professionals are seeking the assistance they require as a result of this anonymity.

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Finally, online therapy platforms such as Rocket Health India provide a wealth of information and access to skilled therapists. These therapists are aware of specific challenges encountered by healthcare professionals. These platforms offer customised assistance that fits the unique requirements of individuals working in the healthcare sector. This guarantees that the treatment is appropriate and effective.

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Research has shown that online psychological intervention can reduce psychological issues such as anxiety and sadness among medical residents. It also significantly helps with emotional tiredness and depersonalization (Wang et al., 2021).

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Why Rocket Health India is the Preferred Choice

One of the best online therapy platforms for healthcare professionals is Rocket Health India. They tailor their services to meet the specific challenges faced by Indian healthcare providers. Here are a few reasons why Rocket Health India is the preferred choice:

1. Specialized Therapists: At Rocket Health India, a team of certified therapists specialize in managing stress, burnout, and other mental health issues commonly experienced by healthcare professionals. Their knowledge guarantees the highest quality of care for medical professionals.

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2. Flexible Scheduling: Recognizing that healthcare professionals have busy schedules, Rocket Health India provides flexible appointment times. This includes weekends and evenings. Healthcare professionals find it simpler to accommodate therapy into their hectic schedules thanks to this flexibility.

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3. Confidential and Secure: Client security and confidentiality are top priorities for Rocket Health India. To guarantee that all conversations are private and secure, their platform makes use of advanced encryption and privacy safeguards.

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4. Comprehensive Resources: Rocket Health India helps healthcare professionals manage stress and prevent burnout. They also provide access to various resources, in addition to therapy sessions. These include articles, videos, exercises and support groups .

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Conclusion

Burnout among healthcare professionals is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Medical staff are facing increased stress and mental health challenges because of the demands of the healthcare industry. This has increased particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. For individuals who require easily accessible, private, and efficient help, online therapy presents a workable option.

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Healthcare professionals can transition from burnout to balance by starting off with identifying the warning symptoms of burnout. They can engage in practicing self-care and getting professional treatment through online therapy. In addition to this it is crucial that they create a support system, and advocate for organizational reform.

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Rocket Health India is an excellent choice for those seeking to recover from burnout and improve their work-life balance. It stands out as a top platform providing specialized help catered to the particular demands of healthcare workers.

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By following these steps and getting support from Rocket Health India and other platforms, healthcare professionals can take care of themselves. This enables them to get the rest that they require to maintain their high standards of patient care while also attending to their own mental and emotional health.

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References

Burnout among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Results of a Questionnaire-based Survey. (n.d.). https://www.ijccm.org/abstractArticleContentBrowse/IJCCM/21032/JPJ/fullText 

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Grover, S., Sahoo, S., Bhalla, A., & Avasthi, A. (2018). Psychological problems and burnout among medical professionals of a tertiary care hospital of North India: A cross-sectional study. Indian Journal of Psychiatry/Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(2), 175. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_254_17 

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Mengin, A. C., Nourry, N., Severac, F., Berna, F., Bemmouna, D., Fritsch, A., Frey, I., Ligier, F., Engel, N., Greth, P., Khan, A., Chauvet-Gelinier, J., Chabridon, G., Haffen, E., Nicolier, M., Zinetti-Bertschy, A., Vidailhet, P., & Weiner, L. (2024). Efficacy of the my health too online cognitive behavioral therapy program for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions, 36, 100736.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2024.100736 

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Wang, J., Song, B., Shao, Y., & Zhu, J. (2021). Effect of online psychological intervention on burnout in medical residents from different majors: an exploratory study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.632134