Secondary Traumatic Stress: Mental Health Professionals' Silent Illness

On average, 50% of mental health professionals experience secondary traumatic stress (STS) which has led to burnout and worsening the mental health provider shortage. Those with STS can have traumatic memories, emotional outbursts, and may avoid clients or work after constantly being exposed clients’ traumas. Burnout is an occupational phenomenon combining emotional exhaustion, work depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment in the workplace. Burnout has led to decrease in organizational committed, absenteeism, and even physical illness. A literature review was conducted to determine the role of mindfulness-based interventions in preventing burnout. The project was completed with four psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) at a telepsychiatry clinic in the southwestern region of the US. The international review board approved the project prior to implementation. The providers were asked to complete a survey known as the Maslach Burnout Inventory to measure their level of burnout before and after the five senses grounding technique. It was to be completed at least once during their work week for eight weeks. The results are still being collected and analyzed at this time. It hypothesized that the participants in the project have decreased levels of burnout after participating in the intervention. This project will be able to show that burnout can be prevented and mitigated at an individual level utilizing mindfulness techniques that many of the PMHNP encourage their patients to use. A cost-effective and efficient way to decrease burnout, reduce STS, and prevent more PMHNP and other mental health professionals from leaving the workforce.