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How to look after your health
We know that doctors are generally excellent at caring for patients but poor at looking after their own health needs.
The good news is that doctors live longer and generally have healthier habits than the general population. They smoke less and are no more prone to drug and alcohol problems than the general population, although studies are very variable.
The bad news is that doctors, especially women doctors, have a higher suicide rate than the general population and significantly higher than other professions such as lawyers.
Why are we vulnerable?
- We may work in organisations that are dysfunctional.
- We are giving emotionally all day dealing with physical and emotional distress but who gives to us?
- We may work in both psychological and physical isolation
- Due to the long hours worked we often have poor family relationships and support
- Lack of feedback (except complaints!)
- We are beholden to a large amount of bureaucracy coming from both government interference and ongoing changes.
- We don’t ask for help or may be inappropriately treated when we do.
- Inherent double bind 1 - "To be a good doctor one needs to be emotionally involved with patients (capable of empathy and humanity). Yet, to survive emotionally one needs to be detached from their pain and suffering.
- Inherent double bind 2 – "Higher levels of self-criticism associated with high rates of depression. Yet, need doctors to be obsessional / self-critical to avoid mishaps.
- Register with a GP before any problem. Not your own practice
- Don’t ask colleagues for informal advice or have corridor consultations.
- Don’t deny you have a problem. Behave like any other patient. Doctors can be frightened and anxious like any other patient. Dealing with a problem early can avert more serious consequences later.
- Don’t let job fears or stigma influence you in asking for help.
- Share problem with family, friends, or colleagues. Admit vulnerability. You are a human-being like any of your patients
- Psychotherapy / counselling may be appropriate in some circumstances.
- Contact your GP / Occupational Health / LMC / BMA Counselling Service.
What protects against physical and mental stress?
- Make boundaries for yourself. Don’t take on more than you can manage.
- Create situations that give you choices in what you do
- Ability to control external environment
- Give yourself challenges but not so much as to cause stress.
- Make sure you have social support at work
- Development of stress management skills
- Make space for yourself