A Clinical Approach to Burnout.
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Introduction
Welcome back to the Burnout Lab. Today, we’re diving deep into the realm of burnout with the incredible Brandie Andrews, the owner and heart behind Key Connections in Lethbridge, Alberta. She’s bringing a very experienced and clinical perspective around burnout to the show with lots of rich information to share with us.
Brandie’s Universe
Brandie, the multi-hyphenate wonder – mom, daughter, sister, friend, auntie, niece, co-parent, supervisor, and colleague shares her excitement to be with us, as well as what drives her in life to achieve all she has accomplished. A registered clinical social worker since 2002, she co-directs Key Connections, where coworkers are grateful for her authenticity, as well as her drive to create balance and intent for those around her.
Burnout Unveiled
Brandie breaks down burnout from her perspective, unveiling its complex layers beyond the workplace. Burnout isn’t just job-related; it’s a state of suffering. It’s a heavy weight on the soul, where hopelessness and helplessness dominate thoughts and feelings. Instead of dodging those uncomfortable feelings, Brandie urges us to sit with them, acknowledge them, and, most importantly, feel them authentically.
Protectors
Brandie reveals the concept of protectors, those inner coping mechanisms designed to protect us from pain and turmoil. It is emphasized that as humans, we need to acknowledge that we have no bad parts. All parts of us exist for a reason. When we acknowledge this, we can have compassion and curiosity toward those parts.
Breaking Free from Protector Mode
Brandie’s prescription involves digging deep into the root emotions, acknowledging thoughts, and sitting with our vulnerabilities. Unprocessed stress lingers in our nervous system, so Brandie advocates for daily restorative practices to nurture our mental health. “We take care of our teeth on a daily basis, so how the hell are we not taking care of our mind with such intensity? Our mind runs the show, so how are we not giving our mind the same attention as our teeth?”
Processing Trauma and the Power of Breath
As I share the lingering symptoms I have experienced from a recent trauma, Brandie stresses the need to process even the little traumas, or “Little ‘t’s” and advocates for mindfulness and deep breathing as powerful tools for mental and emotional shifts in those moments, but also in the moments we are feeling calm and relaxed. Practicing these things throughout the day around even the little decisions will give us better success in implementing them during times of stress.
Recognizing Burnout
In the throes of burnout, recognizing stressors becomes challenging. As Brandie and I chat, I come to the realization that I can schedule daily pauses right into my Google calendar as a way to force myself to stop and ask where I am operating from in that exact moment. Am I operating from a place of authenticity, or am I working from my hyper-productive protector mode? Daily pauses, and implementing a body scan to identify tension points, can be a helpful self-awareness routine.
Conclusion
Thank you, Brandie, for sharing your wisdom with us. It was so helpful! To all our listeners, may you find your find your path to authenticity and living from your true self. Until next time, don’t forget to pause for some deep breathing, and as always, live your life lit! 🔥
Resources
KEY CONNECTIONS. A skilled therapist can really support you in determining the root of what is causing internal stress. At Key Connections, they have different techniques based on the level of trauma individuals have faced. With a team of 40, each team member comes with a different skillset, so there is help for every individual.
Key Connection therapists are available online, or for in-person sessions. If you are battling burnout, or simply want help in creating daily practices to prevent it, contact the intake coordinator, Tracy, at Key Connections with any questions you might have.