The culture is one of silence and self-sacrifice that glorifies overwork. It’s no wonder that today health care professionals are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Harvard Business Review
by Tammie Chang, MD
March 28, 2022
What is the problem?
- 76% of physicians report moderate to severe burnout, with the risk for burnout significantly higher among female than male physicians.
- Physicians have the highest rate of suicide of any profession — one in five has considered it — and
- Women physicians are at a 400% higher risk of dying by suicide than women in the general population.
Summary
Seventy-six percent of physicians report moderate to severe burnout, with the risk significantly higher among female than male physicians.
76% of physicians report moderate to severe burnout, with the risk significantly higher among female than male physicians.
While the reasons behind these findings may vary depending on the impacted person, many are rooted in the fact that
- the culture of medicine is still male-dominated and
- has yet to adapt to support the needs of women who also disproportionately shoulder caregiving responsibilities at home .
If you’re considering entering this field, what can you do to avoid burnout?
1.Know that not everything is your responsibility.
Physicians must show up for themselves before they can do right by others.Setting healthy boundaries around your work, life, and well-being is what will allow you to deliver the best care to your patients.
2.Prioritize sleep.
A plethora of research reinforces the critical role a physician’s sleep plays in patient safety and patient outcomes. A lack of appropriate sleep is also strongly associated with the increased risk for physician depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
3.Invest in your total well-being.
You well-being is measured in five key areas: emotional, physical, social, workplace, and societal. Attend to each of these areas of your life — not just the ones associated with your job.
You well-being is measured in five key areas: emotional, physical, social, workplace, and societal. Attend to each of these areas of your life — not just the ones associated with your job.
Originally published at https://hbr.org on March 28, 2022, containing the long version of the article.
