Burnout by Greg Nooney

Still wearing a hospital gown and slippers, I escape the Alcohol Treatment ward and duck around the building near the dumpster. I find half a dozen smokers dressed in scrubs, silently staring into the abyss. One hands me a cigarette, lights it, and offers me a flask.


Greg Nooney earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Loyola University in Chicago in 1983, has worked as a mental health therapist for over 35 years, and has conducted numerous workshops on various topics. His book Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Guide for Social Workers and All Frontline Staff has been published by NASW Press. He is passionate about reducing the stigma of those with early childhood trauma, especially those with dissociative disorders. He is currently working on a novel about a man with a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. Recently he has been working on improving his skills in writing flash fiction. His story “Precious Package” is one of eight finalists in the 2022 Short Story contest of Defenestrationism.net and will be posted on their website on July 10, 2022. He can be reached through his website at gregnooney.com.