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                                                            Mental Health of Doctors

In India, there’s an old saying that, ‘Doctors are second to God’. Every parent dreams of seeing their child grow up to be a doctor someday. A career in medicine is seen to guarantee status, money, reputation in society etc. However, most people miss out on understanding the nuances of the profession. It’s a career nothing short of demanding, a job requiring intense schooling, constant training and a chaotic schedule – not to forget the heavy dose of patience and tenacity. Though the

rewards of all the hard work are plentiful but it definitely comes with its own share of downsides too.

Lets talk about “Compassion fatigue”. Along with their own issues, doctors have to face problems of many other people. Everyday. Day and Night. There are times when they can easily solve these patients’ problems but even in a lot many cases doctors are helpless. A few of those arising in this pandemic are that the relatives cannot meet the patients, there is lack of communication between doctor and the relatives to due unprecedented conditions. Doctors may feel inadequate at times when they can’t help. They feel it is their duty to do whatever they can to help the patient. This causes a lot of distress. Doctors are constantly in the hospital without any touch with the outside world. They

need to go out and interact with non-medicos. It will help them get a different perspective. Doctors are supposed to be very busy. Even when they are home they get calls regarding the patient or the relatives keep asking regarding the status of the patient. But they need to shut that out for sometime of the day.

To put their mind off of things, they should try the following:

•  Follow a hobby or a sport, read a novel, watch a movie, listen to music,spend time with family. Doctors are humans too. If they don’t treat themselves like one, others wont either.
• Differentiate between others problems from their own, and notpersonalize them. Empathy is necessary but should be not be over done.
• Learn to laugh at simple things even though you are surrounded bytragedy. Everything is not your responsibility.
• There are other doctors too who will take care of the patient if you are not there. Know that if you exert yourself you might fall sick andnot be able to help the others.
• Talk to your colleouges. Tell them about your day. Share your stories.
• Hydrate yourself. Water will help you glide over things smoothly.
• Keep a chocolate handy while working. It’s a mood booster!
• Keep a note of to do lists so that you will be organized and not beoverwhelmed from all the work.
• Last but not the least, take 1 day at a time.

Doctors are often exposed to high levels of stress in their day-to-day

work and are at greater risk of experiencing mental disorders, substance

abuse, suicide and impairment in functioning. Reasons for the meltdown

among doctors is rising at an alarming rate. They play an active part in

the success rate of the health system.

Samvad team is here to extend their support for doctors. Help us help them by sharing our contact details to those in need. 

Whatsapp : 9820856324

Email : samvad.beautifulconversations@gmail.com