I’ve noticed a concerning trend amongst my hospital registrar colleagues lately. Put them together after-hours, and there’ll be callous, cynical sniping at anyone within their firing range – patients, nurses, and other colleagues.  I know for a fact they are caring, compassionate people. I also know they’re under-supported, over-worked and emotionally exhausted. And I worry they’re burning out.

A little black humour never fails to blow off steam, and it can be a healthy way to acknowledge and relieve some of the emotional burden carried by the caring professions. But at what point does it become unhealthy, and would you recognise it?

 Try my BURNOUT QUIZ: 

• Are you often negative, cynical or sarcastic about your patients and colleagues?
• Do you feel like your patients or colleagues are deliberately trying to drive you crazy these days?
• Do you expend all your energy just surviving the work day, and crash when…