Oct 10
- October, 10 2018
- Dr. Sam Ozersky, MD
According to a national online survey of physicians and residents, a significant proportion of medical practitioners are experiencing mental health problems that can directly affect their performance. Burnout, depression, and suicidal thoughts are more common than previously thought in this profession. Despite 82% of the respondents indicating a high level of resilience, 1 in 3 screened positive for depression and 1 in 4 for burnout with residents having a 95% and 48% higher rate than physicians, respectively. Male physicians were less likely than their female counterparts to experience depression.
Many of these doctors are high-achievers and perfectionists, overwhelmed by the systemic problems in the health-care industry and the growing amount of pressure to keep up with the latest trends in medical science. Even though 19% of them have had suicidal thoughts, stigma and imposter syndrome keeps them from seeking help.
Measures taken at the individual level to change their life-style has not been very effective in tackling their mental health problems and there is an evident need to address the issue by implementing better wellness standards.
Mensante has been providing medical practitioners with an effective mental health support tool that allows them to anonymously assess their mental health state and seek help if needed. We are looking forward to offering our services to any medical institution that seeks to improve their employees’ wellness.
Full Article Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canadian-doctors-burnout-depression-1.4856875