5 Ideas for Physicians with Mental Health Challenges
It’s no secret that many physicians today grapple with mental health challenges. The demanding nature of the profession, along with the pandemic’s disruptions and numerous systemic issues, have given rise to significant concerns relating to mental health.
One particularly difficult issue is professional isolation. Despite working in a collaborative environment, long hours, high-pressure work, and intense focus on patient care can result in limited meaningful interactions with peers. And the absence of a supportive network can lead to feelings of loneliness and stress.
Another factor that plagues many physicians is the challenge of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Demanding schedules and the burden of making critical decisions can lead to imbalances.
Finally, physicians may not be in the ideal job. Seeking out and finding a new position can aid in greater feelings of contentment and meaning. Searching for positions on job boards such as PhysEmp.com can result in greater life satisfaction.
Burnout and the Stigma Around Seeking Therapeutic Help
These factors and many others can coalesce to create depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, the stigma around seeking help that persists in the field can push physicians further into isolation.
The perception that they must maintain an image of strength and resilience often keeps physicians mired in distress.
Burnout has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. Three years later, in 2023, over half of all physicians reported bouts, with about one-quarter reporting being depressed. These are the highest percentages in 5 years, according to the “I Cry but No One Cares‘“: Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2023.
5 Techniques for Combating Mental Health Challenges
Addressing mental health concerns requires a multifaceted approach that includes both individual practices and systemic changes in organizations. Here are a few techniques and strategies physicians can employ to combat mental health challenges.
1. Seek Professional Help
First and foremost, finding professional help is paramount for physicians struggling with mental health challenges. Whether it’s burnout, depression, or the continuing toll of a demanding profession, reaching out to a professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist, is crucial.
Physicians can pursue Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), consult their primary care doctor for referrals, or contact their health insurance provider to find covered professionals. Many online directories offer accessible options. Telehealth services and internet-based therapy platforms provide flexibility.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on individual preferences and circumstances, but taking any step forward is crucial.
2. Practice “In the Moment” Techniques
Mindfulness and meditation techniques offer tools for stress reduction that are relatively simple to do. Taking moments throughout the day to practice mindfulness helps bring focus, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall mental well-being.
By incorporating brief yet intentional moments of mindfulness into daily routines, physicians can cultivate a heightened awareness of the present moment, allowing them to navigate the challenges of patient care with greater focus and clarity.
3. Try Somatic Therapies
Somatic therapies that include practices like conscious breathing, body scanning, full body stretches, and muscle relaxation exercises can help physicians to deliberately reconnect with their bodies.
These techniques are effective for releasing accumulated tension while promoting a profound sense of relaxation. As physicians embrace somatic techniques, they in turn empower themselves holistically, ultimately enhancing their resilience and ability to navigate challenges with greater ease.
4. Use “Bite-Sized” Well-being Tools
Another effective strategy is incorporating small, manageable well-being tools into daily routines. Practices such as texting oneself 3 positive things each day, as offered in programs like “Three Good Things,” can foster a positive mindset and contribute to improved mental health over time.
These tools operate on the premise that small, consistent efforts can accumulate into substantial improvements. By taking a few moments each day to reflect on positive things, physicians cultivate a more optimistic mindset. This is easy to do even within the constraints of a busy schedule.
5. Sleep!
Getting adequate sleep is crucial for physicians due to its profound impact on cognitive function, decision-making, and overall well-being. Physicians often face high-stress situations. Adequate sleep enhances memory consolidation, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills, enabling physicians to make accurate diagnoses and provide optimal patient care.
Physicians can enhance their sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, optimizing their sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, reducing stimulant intake, and incorporating regular exercise. Learn ways that sleep can reduce stress and enhance performance.
Physicians, Stay on Top of Your Mental Health Needs
There’s no doubt that mental health challenges, including burnout and professional isolation, along with the stigma around seeking help, require a comprehensive and conscientious approach.
We’ve shared 5 techniques that can help combat these challenges that we hope will be of use to you.
By practicing these and other techniques, you can enhance your well-being, foster resilience, and help to create a healthier healthcare environment.
Written by Warren Goldie
