Why Should Doctors Seek Mental Health Support?
Healthcare professionals deal with intense amount of pressures at work and their personal lives. A recent study showed that 74% of physicians reported seeing symptoms of burnout in others, and over 50% believed that their work related stress and their personal issues had impacted their mental health. The rate of suicides among doctors is two to four times higher than any other professions, however they go unnoticed by the public and the medical fraternity.
Addressing mental health would help Healthcare professionals avoid burnout, cope with stress, address their own health concerns and improve their overall quality of life. However, most don’t know where or how to start. The first step to help and encourage the medical community reach out. A stigma associated with healthcare professionals seeking mental help exists, which is extremely sad. Seeking help does not mean you have a psychiatric illness. Just talking to someone that really understands what you are going through can make a significant difference
According to a study, it was found that more than 50% of doctors believe that mental health is a taboo topic to discuss and most of them would never consider speaking to someone. This, however has to change. Being in a good state of mental health would significantly improve your happiness level, your physical health, improve relationships with colleagues/ friends/ family and improve your patient care. Healthcare professionals are simply scared to get treatment for their mental health. They find taking on the “patient role” is a shame, often, even when it comes to physical health.
It’s about time heathcare professionals stop trying to fit the image of perfection portrayed on TV. We are human.
There is a lack of awareness about where to seek trusted help, as healthcare professionals also fear information being leaked out.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Reach out to us at hello@wakeupdoctors.org and we will get you the help you need. Sometimes, all you need is someone to talk to. Team wake up doctors is here for you. Reach out! Not a healthcare professional but still need support? We are still here to help, because we, at wake up doctors take mental health very seriously. So, reach out!