PAR Winter 2021 Clinical DigitalCatalog Final - Flipbook - Page 9
on-topic
PAR E X PE RTS
W E IG H IN
Q:
“Zoom fatigue”
By Melissa Milanak, PhD
T
he latest pandemic phrase heard over
and over along with “unprecedented”
and “the new normal” is “Zoom fatigue.”
But there is nothing “normal” about any
of it. A profession built on the foundation
of interpersonal connection, rapport
building, trust, and vulnerability—relying
on nonverbal cues and paying attention
to what is not said just as much as what is
said—has in many cases become relegated
to limitations of a two-dimensional screen.
While mental health professionals know better than anyone the importance of psychological flexibility, pivoting, shifting, and reframing
our thinking, even the most extroverted,
resilient person feels exhaustion after backto-back days filled with endless hours staring
into a camera and at a computer screen.
Enter the “new normal” of “Zoom fatigue”!
While this concept was first thrown around
jokingly, experts and laypeople alike soon
realized that there was something to this
phenomenon. Instead of making socially
acceptable eye contact consisting of a few
seconds, we must now intently stare into
a camera for fear that our clients will think
we are not paying attention. Additionally,
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instead of dedicated, distraction-free time in
the peaceful setting of our office, there are
distractions on both sides of the session.
For the clinician, it always seems that the
delivery person comes to the door and the dog
starts to bark as soon as you are about to share
a breakthrough observation, not to mention the
e-mail alert from another client possibly in crisis.
Harnessing the energy to block out all distractions, intently focus, and not miss any important
details can be overwhelmingly exhausting,
especially when sitting in the same chair in the
same position for hours on end each day.
It is in these moments when it is important to
remember to “put our own mask on first” and
take our own advice. We know we need to
avoid multitasking, but we also need to remind
ourselves to close all e-mail and quiet alerts
to reduce temptation. Plus, we must resist the
urge to be too critical of ourselves with the
ever-present thumbnail image reminding us
of our imperfections, wrinkles, or gray hair.
Consider building in a few minutes of downtime
between sessions not only to document but
also to give your eyes and mind a break from
constant screen time. It can go a long way.
Clinicians admit to being more lax with
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technology delays and often run over session
time because tech troubles keep a session from
starting on time or other distractions occur, such
as a child interrupting a session. While compassion is important, it is useful to remember
boundary setting that would be held in the
office is also important for a virtual session.
Lastly, many times our fatigue is mental more
than physical, so setting a timer to remind
us to get up and walk around, writing notes
standing up to change position, or conducting
a session outside in a quiet, confidential
location can offer a reinvigorating change.
Imagine if we put as much emphasis on
recharging ourselves as we do on keeping
our phones and computers charged!
What are some ways
to tackle burnout,
foster resilience, and
prioritize self-care?
Melissa: Build in breaks. Let
your eyes rest for a minute,
as it can be exhausting to
stare into the camera to make
sure a patient knows you are empathetically
listening. Set up a routine and normal work
hours and adhere to attendance boundaries
as you would in your office. It may feel too
much like “work” to utilize skills you teach
clients, so seek out a new book, podcast, or
other relaxation option led by another
expert to try something new and refocus
energy and attention.
Kevin: Many clinicians faced
burnout even before the
COVID-19 pandemic. With the
additional burdens we now are
facing, maintaining a positive outlook is more
important than ever in helping to tackle
Melissa E. Milanak, PhD
burnout and foster resilience. Having a positive
Clinical Assessment
perspective helps with stress management and
Advisor—National Accounts
improves your emotional wellness. Some
studies have even shown health benefits for
mmilanak@parinc.com
people who are positive thinkers. Maintaining a
positive attitude takes awareness, and if you
Melissa is a licensed clinical psychologist and interna-
are not prone to positive thinking it can take
tionally recognized academic. She has extensive clinical
some work. However, the benefits of a positive
experience providing therapy and conducting assess-
attitude are far-reaching, not only for you but
ments with a diverse array of patient populations.
also for those around you.
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