Minding the Mental Health of our Future Doctors

There is no doubt that we are living in stressful times due to COVID-19 related distress and uncertainty. Among impacted individuals, physicians are especially at risk of mental health consequences. Indeed, the present pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges for physicians.  Research published in JAMA Network on 1200 healthcare workers from 30+ hospitals showed that more that about half physician’s experience depression, 44.6% experienced anxiety and 71.5% reported feeling distressed.  Further, we need to seriously think about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on our future doctors, medical students.  Medical students are, in general, more likely to experience depression and burnouts compared to others in their age. 

How should we approach this? By first admitting that the mental wellbeing of our medical students is a priority for all of us, and therefore approaching it as a shared responsibility.  We need to pay more attention and allocate more resources towards developing robust mental health support systems in medical schools. Further, teaching mental well-being practices and encouraging work life balance will help students. We also need to take care of other stressors that may impact students, such as finances, and to cultivate a community that promotes resilience and self-care.  Importantly, assuring the presence of well-developed mental health services that students can access when they experience burnout or mental health difficulties.   

There are many myths and barriers in the way of mental health. One important barrier is Stigma. Efforts should be put in place during medical school to eradicate the stigma surrounding physician/student mental health.  Here are 5 debunked myths regarding the mental health of medical students:  

Myth (1):

It is uncommon for medical students to experience mental health conditions. 

Fact:

Mental health conditions are more common among medical students compared to others their age. 

Myth (2): 

As a future doctor I must be psychologically strong and resistant to mental illnesses, and, therefore, I do not need medications or mental health services. 

Fact: 

Mental health conditions are common in the general population including physicians who can benefit from interventions including therapy and medications when indicated. 

Myth (3):

Reaching out for mental health services means that I am a weak person. 

Fact: 

To the contrary, accepting ones mental health difficulties and seeking help are signs of strength.  

Myth (4): 

There is no point in seeking mental health services, since there are no effective treatments in psychiatry. 

Fact:

This statement is untrue, there are effective treatments for mental health conditions based on randomized controlled trials. 

Myth (5):

Being diagnosed with a mental health condition will damage my carrier. 

Fact: 

Mental health conditions are common across all population and across all professionals, including physicians. It is illegal to discriminate against a person due to mental health condition. 

Wishing everyone health and happiness!  

Dr. Ammar Albanna

20.10.2020

Please share your thought or other myths below , would love to hear from you !