The first time professional burnout happens to a cop it is a rite of passage: One that signals the transformation from an idealistic young officer filled with enthusiasm for the job to a more pragmatic, seasoned, and perhaps cynical veteran. Being burned out from time to time is expected; however, how an officer responds to burnout will make all the difference in the future of their career. Knowing the symptoms and how to take control will create a stronger, smarter, and more effective officer. Not recognizing burnout can set you on the career path of the ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) officer, or worse.
Burnout can also destroy a personal life. It can lead to officers becoming distant from spouses, kids, family, and friends because they are too drained to give to anyone else. The job can take every ounce of positive energy making all other interactions negative. Burnout, if not recognized, can lead to depression, anxiety, excessive use of alcohol, and an ever-present low-grade anger that begins to feel normal. There are many signs of professional burnout and not everyone will experience the same ones, but we are going to give you five categories we believe are common in law enforcement.
Who are you now?
What is different about you now than when you first started your career in law enforcement? Some of these changes reflect maturity and knowledge; others may signify cynicism and a warped sense of reality - a reality that is shaped by the consumers you signed on to serve and protect. A law enforcement professional responds from one negative situation to the next with a few positive interactions sprinkled in between. Do you still see the positives in the job as you did when you first started or do you only see the negative? Does the person you thought you would be when you started your career still exist? When new officers leave the academy they cannot wait to begin taking calls. Do you still have some of that excitement? It's naive to believe that initial excitement is sustained throughout a career, but when it is replaced by apathy it's time to re-evaluate who you have become and who you want to be.
Fun?
When burnout sets in, it is often easier for a cop to go from one hyped up situation to the next than it is for them to relax and have fun. One of the key identifiers of burnout is the intensity of life out balances the pleasure in life. If you find feelings of stress and anger are more present than laughter or if enjoyment needs to be enhanced by choir practice, you may be burned out. When was the last time you had fun?
Impatient with stupidity?
The lowly, primitive earthworm can learn to avoid pain and danger. Higher-order animals have evolved sophisticated means of self-preservation. Why, then, do police officers spend so much time either helping or arresting HUMANS who seem incapable of avoiding trouble? It is normal to get frustrated when you deal with the same people and problems time and again, but has occasional frustration turned to constant disgust or apathy? Are you still able to respond with compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to help? If not, consider how long someone can do the job if they have lost their heart for others.
Another sign of burnout is a low-grade anger at the department. Over the years officers may begin to question the intelligence of their supervisors, subordinates, and city government. Cops begin to view the decisions of the higher-ups as stupid, punitive, or illogical. You may have reached this point if counting the days to retirement is the best part of the job. Are you looking forward to the work day or counting the days? (disclaimer: Mike holds ALL of his colleagues and superiors in the highest esteem, and has never once questioned anyone's intelligence, wisdom, or sanity. He's just heard...)
Isolating?
When positive interactions pale in comparison to negative interactions we begin to feel drained of energy. When this happens, people tend to withdraw for a short time to replenish their energy. However, it enters the burnout zone when those who matter most in your life begin to complain about how you don't talk anymore, how much you watch TV, play on the computer, or that you do most activities alone. Is there anyone in your life who wants to spend more time with you? If so, listen. They may be notifying you that you are burned out. Also notice if you are turning down social invites or going places where you may encounter people. This is another warning sign.
Hard to move?
When the alarm goes off and your feet hit the floor do you look forward to the coming day or dread it? Do you meet challenges head on and enthusiastically, or do you find ways to avoid or ignore them? It is normal that we sometimes want to withdraw and recharge. However, when that desire is replaced with the statement, "I just don't want to move," we need to take heed. In the midst of burnout it is nearly impossible to feel motivated by the job. We are held in place by our own inertia, only to find this increases the effects of burnout. When "I just don't want to move" extends to your time away from work, it is definitely time to take action. When burnout has infected your whole life it can lead to depression.
The first step in treating burnout is to know when it is starting or when it has set in. We believe the above questions will help you to identify the effects of burnout on both your professional and personal lives. Next month we will discuss some tactics designed to take control of burnout and restore vitality.
