Burnout, Dehumanization, and the Power of Self-Care
Burnout doesn’t just happen from overwork. It happens when you stop feeling like a person.
For first responders, the grind of trauma exposure, long shifts, and public scrutiny can lead not just to exhaustion but to a loss of identity. That’s where self-care and re-humanizing support come in.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is more than feeling tired. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It has three components: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.
In other words, burnout is not a weakness; it’s a warning signal. It’s a deep, chronic strain that affects how you think, feel, and perform, not just on the job but everywhere else, too. And it’s more common than many people think.
The Hidden Layer: Dehumanization
A recent study by Mika-Lude et al. (2023) revealed something deeper: perceived dehumanization, that is, feeling like the public, your agency, or society sees you as a machine or a stereotype, can significantly increase burnout among first responders.
Whether you're viewed as a superhero who doesn’t need rest or criticized unfairly, these perceptions chip away at your sense of self. Over time, you may even start to emotionally detach, dehumanizing others as a defense mechanism. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Self-care isn’t about spa days or bubble baths (unless that’s your thing). It’s about maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional resilience so you can keep showing up for others and yourself.
- • Reflect regularly on what you’re feeling, not just what you’re doing.
- • Seek out spaces where you’re treated like a human, not just a badge or role.
- • Talk to someone who understands the job, and understands you.
- • Check in with your purpose, not just your productivity.
Strategize Your Success
At Tactical Counseling, we understand the toll burnout and dehumanization can take, because we’ve been there. With over 30 years in emergency services, Matt knows firsthand what it’s like to carry trauma while trying to stay functional, compassionate, and human.
You don’t have to wait until you break. Let’s create a space where you can reflect, regroup, and rebuild. You're not just a responder. You're a person first.
Resources for Further Reading:
- Under Fire: Burnout and Dehumanization in First Responders (2023) – Mika‐Lude, et al.
- APA: Stress and First Responders
- SAMHSA – Mental Health Resources for Professionals