Workplace Stress as a Predictor for Burnout in Mental Health Professionals: A Covid-19 Study

The job of mental health professionals (MHPs) is essential because they aid those who are afflicted by mental health disorders and support them in fostering much-needed optimistic outlooks. Following Covid-19, the situation for MHPs is now one of increased work pressure as they provide tele-counseling and treatment to more and more individuals every day. The purpose of this study was to see if this increased level of stress is causing burnout syndromes in various MHPs. Standardized scales were used to measure workplace stress & burnout among MHPs. The MHPs taken into consideration were clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors between the ages of 25 and 35. Results found that workplace stress is significantly and positively correlated to occupational exhaustion and depersonalization, further through linear regression it was found that workplace stress is a significant predictor of occupational exhaustion. Usage of humor, journalling, mindful meditation, taking breaks, following a regular schedule, creating healthy boundaries, having self-care measures, and being under supervision are all strategies that can help to avoid burnout.