Most common mental health issues faced by doctors

Doctors and other medical staff play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall well-being of society. Given the current global situation, their role has been recognized and appreciated all the more. One of the noblest professions, the healthcare sector is manned by a large network of professionals which includes doctors, nurses and other support staff. However, it is also one of the most stressful occupations because of the nature of the work, and varied results experienced.

Doctors have to be in constant touch with patients who are suffering from various kinds of ailments, some of which are life-threatening. And, not all operations or treatments are successful. At times doctors also have to see death from close quarters and this can have a tremendous negative impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing. The ongoing Coronavirus disease has increased the stress levels of doctors. Just as it is important for doctors to make use of the best medical equipment such as the Littmann cardiology 4 stethoscope to ensure precision, it is important that they take care of their mental and physical health, to provide the best care possible.

Stress and anxiety

Doctors work in challenging situations and often have to take decisions that are tough for them as well as for the patients’ families. Seeing a patient die or knowing that he is near death, having to put them on ventilator, unsuccessful operations etc can all take a toll on the mental health of the doctor. These working conditions tend to increase the stress levels and may result in panic or anxiety attacks as well. Explaining the situation to the families can be very difficult and can even lead to unfavourable interactions between a doctor and the patient’s family. During the current crisis many doctors have had to move out of their homes to ensure that their families remain protected. This has increased the stress and anxiety levels among doctors.

Mental Exhaustion/ Burnout

The medical staff and doctors are involved in around the clock demanding job. However, the Coronavirus epidemic has increased their stress levels. Since the ratio of doctors to population is quite low, this can lead to burnout. This situation has become direr in times of COVID-19. Furthermore, the long working hours spent treating patients, especially COVID-19 patients, at the risk of their own lives is emotionally challenging. Working on double shifts, without much rest to the body has led to many doctors experiences exhaustion. Shortage of staff, equipment or medical supplies combined with situations that are beyond the control of doctors can lead to negative consequences like emotional exhaustion, loss of enthusiasm for work, and insomnia.

Society will be healthy only if doctors are physically and mentally fit. Therefore doctors need to ensure their wellbeing by indulging in exercise, yoga, eating a nutritious diet, and finding out some time for themselves among others. Having a pet at home can also ease anxieties. To ensure there is no shortage of medical supplies, hospitals can purchase the right products from SMB where Heine otoscope price is affordable.