By Tammy Burgwald
Clinical Director at HealthEZ
I often tell people the best way to fight burnout is simple: Speak up, step back, and do something else. In the same way work demands can lead to burnout, so can the endless cycle of self-diagnosing and second-guessing online.
Let me give you an example. Imagine logging into your benefits portal and seeing a lab result flagged as “abnormal.” Your mind races. You turn to Google for answers, and within minutes, you’re spiraling through worst-case scenarios. Suddenly, you’re burned out from the fear and confusion of trying to figure out your health on your own. This isn’t uncommon. UCLA Health reported that inaccurate health information is escalating health anxiety for many patients, and it’s exactly the kind of burden my team and I want to help people avoid.
The best way I know to break this spiral is with three simple steps. Each one moves you from worry to action, and back to peace of mind.
Step 1: Speak Up
The first step is always speaking up. When something doesn’t feel right, don’t keep it to yourself and don’t rely on the internet to explain it. At HealthEZ, our Care Navigators are here to listen when members voice their concerns, whether it’s a confusing lab report, a symptom that doesn’t make sense, or a doctor’s recommendation that leaves them uncertain. Speaking up opens the door to support.
Step 2: Step Back
After you’ve spoken up, it’s time to step back. Too many people feel like they need to play doctor, researcher, and advocate all at once. That’s not only exhausting; it’s risky.
When members step back, they give our Care Navigators the chance to step in. We connect the dots, explain what results really mean, and guide members to the right providers. No one should carry that weight alone.
Step 3: Do Something Else
Finally, I tell people: do something else. Instead of spending hours on WebMD or stressing over “what-ifs,” redirect that energy toward healing, family, or simply living life.
This step is about giving yourself permission to move forward. Worrying doesn’t change the outcome, it only drains the energy you could be putting toward recovery, connection, or even joy in your everyday life. When members know someone is advocating for them and guiding the way, they’re free to let go of the spiral and focus on what matters most.
That’s the real gift of Care Navigation: lifting the weight of uncertainty so members can reclaim their time, energy, and peace of mind.
A Better Way Forward
Burnout happens when people feel they have to carry everything alone. At HealthEZ, we make sure members have someone walking alongside them so they never have to navigate the system by themselves. And together, we can create a better healthcare experience, one that gives people the confidence and care they deserve.