By: Divya Krishna, Rehabilitation Psychologist & ABA Therapist, Prayatna, Kochi
Many people in our society view doctors with a divine aura. The respect society gives them in this regard is commendable. However, often, not many people consider that doctors are also ordinary human beings and think about their mental health.
Doctors in our country are forced to work for hours without rest. They experience the same emotions and pressures as any ordinary person. However, due to the “perfectionism” society expects from them, these feelings often remain hidden. There’s no doubt that even small mistakes by doctors can have major consequences when it comes to human lives. But if no consideration is given to doctors’ mental well-being, they will naturally experience fatigue, burnout, and carelessness, leading to repeated mistakes.
Doctors often have to make crucial decisions very quickly during critical moments. There’s also the added pressure of meeting the excessive expectations of patients and their caregivers. Beyond curing illnesses, some doctors also take on the emotional burdens of their patients. All of this creates heavy responsibilities and mental distress for doctors.
There are doctors who face severe mental anguish if they fail to save a patient’s life, despite their most sincere efforts. These issues can sometimes last for months. This tendency is more commonly observed among junior doctors when they start their practice.
Pressures Starting from Student Life
Many become doctors seeing healthcare as their life’s mission. Others are compelled to choose MBBS simply because their parents or close relatives are doctors. It goes without saying that the entrance exams for MBBS admission are extremely difficult. Admissions are secured after years of preparation and multiple attempts at the exam. Throughout this period, one has to endure pressure from family and relatives. There are also significant financial burdens due to study expenses.
The studies aren’t as easy as other degrees either. When living away from home for the first time, it takes time to adjust to the new environment. Amidst this, one might also face issues like ragging. Personal relationships can become turbulent during this time.
When students start directly interacting with patients, they witness extremely critical illnesses and deaths firsthand. Initially, anyone would be shaken. Due to severe mental distress, many abandon their studies midway. Some even develop suicidal thoughts. If timely help from a mental health professional isn’t received, it can be dangerous.
Hospital Conditions
During seasons when infectious diseases spread, like the monsoon, doctors in our country face an increased workload. At these times, both the number of patients and the severity of their illnesses will be higher. Often, a doctor might have to work continuously through multiple shifts. Depending on the rush, there might not be adequate facilities, medical equipment, or medicines for all patients. If there aren’t enough doctors for all shifts, the workload will increase even further. Continuously working night shifts also leads to difficulties due to lack of sleep. Such additional responsibilities can even cause problems in doctors’ personal relationships and family lives.
Mental Health Challenges Faced by Doctors
Doctors were the ones who stood firm and fought on the front lines even during pandemics like COVID-19. When such new challenges arise, they often have to handle things alone as there are no pre-tested and proven treatment plans. Doctors also have families at home, including children and elderly parents. An additional fear is the transmission of the disease to their family members through them. Thus, every doctor provides selfless service while harboring numerous anxieties that those observing from outside cannot comprehend.
There are also variations in the behavior and approach of patients and their caregivers towards doctors. Some behave poorly, and others are unwilling to cooperate with the treatment. Constantly interacting with various types of people like this mentally exhausts doctors. Generally, not many people applaud or thank doctors. Everyone conveniently dismisses it, believing it’s just part of their job.
Doctors Are Not Divine, They Are Ordinary Humans
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are the most common mental health issues observed among doctors. The problem of “burnout” is also increasingly prevalent among those who are constantly forced to work without finding time for their own interests and needs. Doctors working in emergency departments often experience trauma and stress that can last for days or months.
It’s crucial to find time for recreational activities outside of work hours. Engaging in preferred exercises, practicing yoga, and meditation can help reduce mental stress. Postpone practices and other activities that involve neglecting sleep and rest. There’s a tendency to resort to alcohol consumption and overeating to cope with mental stress. Such bad habits can further deteriorate job performance.
Maintaining good relationships with colleagues is essential, including nurses, lab technicians, and other hospital staff. This can significantly help reduce workplace stress. There should also be opportunities to speak openly with senior doctors.
Maintaining Well-being Outside of Work
Doctors should also find time to spend quality time with their families. Available holidays can be used for refreshing trips and other activities. Beyond hospital issues, doctors often face various problems in their personal and family lives. Despite having high incomes, many doctors face financial crises due to poor decisions. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries in one’s career and ensure they are respected.
Since we are human, no matter how hard we try, the condition of some patients will deeply affect our minds. It’s important to understand that this is part of the job. Don’t allow those experiences to impact your personal life. If needed, you can share those experiences with close friends to lighten your mental burden.
Managing Unforeseen Outcomes and Seeking Support
Diseases often progress to stages beyond human control. Even with a doctor’s best efforts, unexpected unfortunate events can occur. These are not always due to a doctor’s fault. Often, when patients pass away, doctors bear the heavy responsibility of informing the relatives. In such situations, great maturity and clarity in communication are essential. No matter how much pressure there is, doctors must strive to maintain composure and treat patients with compassion. Doctors also need training to effectively deal with these daily challenges in the workplace.
The notion that doctors cannot make mistakes and are flawless can itself be a huge burden. It is essential to seek help from a mental health professional when needed. Many doctors hesitate to seek help or reveal their vulnerabilities, fearing social stigma. If improved civic sense and courtesy can be encouraged in hospitals, it will benefit our entire healthcare sector. Every doctor is a blessing to the nation. Only when they have the conditions to perform their job well and safely will we truly benefit from their service.