We’ve seen many of your career journeys through from medical school – from the many varied practical exams at university, to your chosen sub-specialties further down the line. Your hard work and resilience to pressures never go unnoticed!
Let’s look at the most common worries for medical professionals at different stages of their career, and how to overcome them.
Medical Students
We know that medical school is a big leap. Often, you’ll be fending for yourself in a new city, aiming to complete difficult work to attain your degree. All of which are factors that can manifest into mental health issues.
As a student, it can be easy to feel ‘useless.’ Like you’re getting in the way on wards filled with people more qualified or experienced than you are. But you can have a bigger impact than you realise. Not to mention, every qualified professional understands the position you’re in and the fears that come along with it. It’s important to remember these symptoms don’t stop you from qualifying. Stats prove you’re not alone, and one small reach for a loved one or fellow medic reminds you that help is at hand. After all, believing you can become successful is the most important step to achieving it!
Medical professionals
We’ve seen the peaks, troughs, and pressures of the clinical responsibilities you hold as doctors.
Medical Protection have found that 85% of doctors have experienced mental health issues, with common issues being stress (75%), anxiety (49%) and low self-esteem (36%). A 2019 survey by the British Medical Association also found that more than a third of doctors reported experiencing anxiety or depression. However, many doctors feel that admitting to struggling with their mental health within the workplace may be seen as a sign of weakness. This culture of silence needs to stop.
For centuries, mental health illness has been stigmatised within the medical community. What we’re now seeing is generations evolving to address it openly and hopefully bring about meaningful change for the future!
Without sounding too cliché, prioritise self-care. As much as possible, make sure to:
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, engage in regular physical activity.
- Plan and organise. Stay on top of commitments and on track to the next goal by breaking down big tasks into smaller, daily ones
- Seek support. Talk to loved ones if you’re worried about your mental health, you will never be shunned.
- Stress-relieving techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, exercise.
- Self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. It’s normal to make mistakes and have setbacks.
Support resources for healthcare professionals throughout the UK:
BMA Wellbeing support services
Confidential, free 24/7 telephone counselling line and peer support service for all doctors and medical students. BMA members can also access a free structured course of up to six sessions of therapy with a counsellor.
NHS Practitioner Health - England
Free, confidential NHS mental health and addiction service for health & care professionals.
Doctors' Support Network (DSN)
Confidential peer group for doctors with mental health concerns.