In recent years, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association has been encouraging Certified Athletic Therapists to consider their mental wellness through webinars and other educational programming. In a previous blog, we explored the significance of mental wellness in managing catastrophic injuries. However, in the fast-paced and often demanding world of athletic therapy, it's crucial to also raise awareness about the issue of burnout.
We spoke to Certified AT Christy Nichol, who specializes in treating professionals in the industry who are experiencing burnout and helping them get back to their highest performing self. After spending six seasons as a Certified AT on the frontlines of varsity sports, Christy moved on to a private clinic that specialized in one-on-one high-contact support for clients.
Although Christy found this work rewarding, she wanted to use the entirety of her skill set. This inspired her to establish her own private practice, which flourished in her small community in Western Canada. She found fulfillment in helping her clients achieve timely results, but even as her business was thriving, Christy started to notice signs of burnout affecting both her and her practice.
From feeling unmotivated and experiencing loss of passion to exhibiting emotional exhaustion or irritability, burnout can manifest differently in everyone. For Christy, it came with a realization that “the same thoughts, beliefs, habits and patterns that had led to my success had inadvertently created and contributed to my burnout.”
Ambition and a drive to succeed are often traits that make Certified ATs successful, especially with the work they engage in and clients they work with. “Certified ATs are a highly empathetic, caring group of people,” Christy states. While playing multiple roles and providing holistic care, the all-encompassing nature of the job involves long hours and constant client support.
“We are the first ones to come and the last ones to leave,” Christy says, which often doesn't leave a lot of time for Certified ATs to take care of themselves. Not addressing personal wellness can lead to compassion and empathy fatigue, which can impact every aspect of your life.
But realizing you are in burnout may not be as easy as understanding your symptoms. In fact, Christy shares that, “80% of the individuals I work with do not recognize they are experiencing burnout until halfway through the program.” Being so focused on the job, it is common for Certified ATs to stop noticing what they need in the moment. It’s only in a time of reflection they can discover something needs to change.
Reflecting leads to better awareness of your needs and how they may have shifted over time. “Young Certified ATs will not have the same priorities as individuals who are well into their career,” Christy explains. While you may have your priorities balanced in one season of your career, reassessment after time may reveal your focus has changed, but your routine hasn’t kept up. Whether it is health, family, mental health or finances, putting priorities at the forefront will ultimately improve the quality of your life and practice.
While it is common to let the things that matter most to you fall to the wayside, especially during peak seasons, it is vital to be aware of the dangers of delaying personal care and scheduling yourself last. “Instead, look ahead at your season and schedule your priorities first,” Christy emphasizes. Following this, you can begin to realistically and productively devote time toward your professional and personal requirements to maintain healthy levels of performance.
Setting healthy boundaries for yourself and clients is vital to eliminating the risk of burnout. “While treating one more person just because they ask may be beneficial to them, it is not productive for you and your well-being,” Christy shares. Creating a schedule that prioritizes your needs will help others adapt accordingly. Communicate with your team or clients “early, often and kindly”, Christy recommends, to develop personal policies and foster clear communication.
Prolonged stress is not something that our bodies are designed for, Christy shares, and experiencing stress symptoms over a long period of time eventually leads to exhaustion and burnout.
“We provide support at every stage for other people. Why shouldn't we need that same level of support?” Christy reflects. Just like athletes, Certified ATs need access to support at every stage of their careers. “They too have in-season, post-season, off-season and pre-season,” she shares. “To perform at the top level, Certified ATs need to honour those four seasons as well.”
That means taking necessary time away from your work in order to recharge and reassess your career. By honouring your needs, you can return to your responsibilities with renewed energy and perspective. This intentional period of rest not only helps Certified ATs avoid burnout, but also motivates a fresh start and revitalized outlook for the upcoming season. Embracing self-care empowers you to tackle challenges with greater motivation and clarity.
Understanding the habits and behaviours that lead to burnout can better equip Certified ATs with mechanisms that help to minimize risk. Support is crucial for sustaining long-term success and well-being. By prioritizing your needs, finding balance in your schedule and setting healthy boundaries, Certified ATs can strengthen their resilience and improve the quality of care they provide to the ones they treat.
If you are experiencing symptoms of burnout, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Members can access CATA’s mental wellness resources here.
.png)