Preventing burnout

Work designed to promote social justice generally develops through stages, some of them hazardous to health. Initially compassion may draw a person toward others struggling or in pain. Then the plight of people under oppression evokes indignation. Their cause becomes a passion. Finally, to accompany them becomes a personal mission. All of this is admirable in itself, but in the process the person involved can be channelled into a tunnel of work.

Social activists, like other busy people, tend to define their identity through their workplace. They may become harrowed rather than committed, lose touch with what is creative in themselves and grow distant from the spirit of the poor. Once out of touch with the struggle and with their own hearts, they discover how difficult it is to find love on the run. Their capacity for deep friendship diminishes. There are fewer ‘light’ moments and less sense of enjoying God’s love and doing God’s work.

Part of what keeps a social activist energised is the good news sometimes found in the midst of struggle - stories that convey the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of suffering and injustice.

Social activists too often experience loss of energy, enthusiasm, idealism, ambition and purpose. They find themselves working inefficiently, finding it difficult to respond positively to change or challenge. They feel either detached or trapped. They complain more than usual, become grumpy with others and fail to put a favourable interpretation on other people’s actions. Eventually they feel isolated and suspicious. They may also have trouble sleeping, seldom exercise and suffer colds and ’flu. This pattern brings misery, leading some to compensate with increased alcohol consumption, inappropriate sexual behaviour or other flights from depression. Compulsive disorders lead to further depression and a loss of passion for those they once assisted. Then cynicism about others’ needs sets in. Action is required before they harm themselves and those they serve.

This cycle can only be reversed by finding space and time: space to appreciate one’s giftedness again, and time for God’s creative power to work. But first the miserable feelings need to be owned, and the fact that the person is now on the margins of their own existence. Time to meditate is vital, time to get in touch again with the mystery of life. Gradually a sense of ministry and mission will remerge, perhaps aided by the companionship of a good guide.

But prevention of burnout is better than cure. For this, these guidelines are important:

• ensure a level of responsibility that challenges and excites
• limit your activities to what is possible
• take time out when tired
• know what you do well, and do it well
• find space to develop creative ideas and strategies
• break long-term aims into achievable short-term goals
• set priorities and plan carefully
• complete tasks and reinforce achievements
• share responsibility and evaluate what we do together
• do enjoyable and interesting tasks
• know your own personal and professional needs
• find ways to have these needs met appropriately
• develop skills in negotiating win-win outcomes
• seek out necessary training courses
• put the best interpretation on what others do
• seek ways to deal positively with your negative feelings
• personalise your work environment (with photos, plants)
• find life-giving activities beyond work (family, hobbies, etc)
• balance work, friendships, relaxation and intellectual stimulation

An activist needs to develop a style of life and labour adapted to the real needs of people. What then emerges is a freedom to create new structures and a willingness to go where the needs are greatest. After all, ours is a service designed to help the human spirit find freedom.

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