The Ism of Burnout – Keith L.

About This Speaker Tape

7th Tri-State Roundup - 1996

A cup of hot coffee dumped in a lap in Paris serves as the opening memory for Keith L. who navigates the wreckage of professional burnout. Despite years of sobriety Keith found himself slipping into the 'ism' of alcoholism—a state of isolation suspicion and ego-driven delusion—while directing a treatment center in a psychiatric hospital. He describes the suffocating pressure of swimming upstream against hospital philosophies and the danger of becoming a 'superstar' in the field. The turning point arrives via a loving confrontation from a head nurse and a medical director leading to a surrender that mirrored his original recovery. Through the guidance of Bob S. and Nick C. Keith entered treatment for his burnout acknowledging that spiritual defenses are the only real weaponry against the disease. He concludes by urging professionals to love one another enough to confront the sickness before it destroys a career.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Keith L. opens with a joke about the nerves of speaking and the 'diarrhea' of the ego.
• 2:15 Story about spilling coffee in Paris and the struggle to appear cool.
• 7:40 Keith discusses the 'ism' of alcoholism and the physical, emotional, and spiritual illness of burnout.
• 12:10 Discussion of the 'combatant experience' of working in the alcoholism field and the need for spiritual defenses.
• 16:45 Keith describes the isolation and fear that characterize the early phases of burnout.
• 22:10 The confrontation: Nancy M. and Dr. Mohan A. use a list of behaviors to confront Keith's delusion.
• 26:30 Keith's surrender and the decision to enter treatment for his 'ism' under the care of Bob S. and Nick C.
• 31:15 Laughter: The story of the psychotic passenger on the flight to Texas.
• 35:40 The deep depression that hit Keith once he reached the safety of treatment.
• 42:10 Keith reflects on the judgment professionals feel when they are sick.
• 48:20 Bob B. shares his perspective on Keith's behavior as a 'superstar' and the family dynamics of the staff.
• 54:10 Nick C. discusses the surrender process and the danger of becoming a 'learning machine' instead of a love machine.