Episode 242 - How Do You Feel?

Caring for others in the healthcare field can take a psychological toll on providers. Dr. Jesse Gold shares a personal experience about forgetting a patient, highlighting the importance of connection in roles like psychiatry and pediatric hematology. Both fields require deep relationships with patients, especially during crucial and formative times. It’s essential for healthcare professionals to care for themselves as they manage the care of others. As they navigate their challenges, keeping communication open and prioritizing their own mental health can improve their effectiveness and compassion in their practice. This self-care is crucial not only for their well-being but also for building lasting connections with patients.

Good psychiatric care involves more than just prescribing medications and focusing on diagnoses. Patients seek genuine engagement from their psychiatrists, but many feel their doctors are inattentive or too quick to prescribe without understanding their experiences. Over-medication is especially prevalent among women, as their emotional struggles are often misunderstood. Psychiatrists should take the time to build relationships, allowing medications to work at their own pace. Also, self-disclosure can humanize the doctor-patient dynamic, but it should be balanced so that the focus remains on the patient's needs. Different patients respond to different styles of communication, with some preferring a more scientific explanation and others benefiting from a friendly, conversational approach. This highlights the importance of adapting to patient preferences and maintaining empathy in care.

Feeling emotions in medical settings is a normal part of the job, and sharing those feelings can help create stronger connections with patients. While it's important to maintain professionalism, moments of self-disclosure can show patients they are not alone in their struggles. This can foster empathy and support, reminding healthcare providers that caring for patients is both a privilege and an emotional journey. Doctors, despite their training, can find themselves grappling with their own emotions, particularly when dealing with loss. Sharing experiences can validate feelings and open communication among teams, ultimately enhancing patient care. It's essential to find a balance between emotional expression and professional responsibilities, allowing for authentic human connections without overshadowing the patient’s experience. Cultivating environments where healthcare professionals feel safe discussing their emotions can improve overall wellbeing for both patients and providers.

Experiencing imposter syndrome is common among medical students, especially when surrounded by peers who express strong career aspirations. It's natural to feel insecure and question one's place in such an environment. Emotional reactions to difficult patient interactions can complicate the journey. While some may appear confident, they might actually be masking their insecurities, indicating a deeper psychological struggle. It's crucial to foster open discussions about these feelings and acknowledge that not having a clear specialty choice doesn't equate to inadequacy. Everyone has their unique path in medicine, and vulnerability can lead to growth and stronger connections with peers. Sharing experiences and feelings can help build empathy and understanding among future doctors, enhancing their ability to provide compassionate care to patients.

Medical students often feel pressure to keep pushing through their training without questioning if it’s truly what they want. This relentless pursuit can lead to unhappiness and burnout, as they focus more on meeting external expectations rather than their own reasons for wanting to help people. There’s a stigma against pursuing mental health specialties, making it harder for students to express interest in fields like psychiatry without fear of judgement. Many students don't take time to reflect on their choices, leading to uncertainty about their paths and desires. It's essential for aspiring doctors to pause, assess their motivations, and remember why they wanted to enter medicine in the first place, to ensure fulfillment in their careers.

Mental health should be treated like physical health, with regular check-ups needed for everyone, not just during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to confront mental health issues, but many are returning to old habits of ignoring them. There's still a stigma about seeking help, especially among doctors, due to fears about how it could affect their careers. While laws have changed to protect against discrimination based on mental health history, concerns persist about the licensing process. Advocates are working towards a more supportive environment, but individuals must prioritize their mental well-being and strive to seek help regardless of societal pressures. By changing the conversation around mental health and promoting its importance, we can encourage ongoing support and understanding in all professions, eventually leading to a healthier society.

In medicine, the prevailing culture often values perfectionism and competition over personal well-being. Many doctors feel pressured to excel in their careers, sacrificing their mental health in the process. With alarming rates of burnout and depression, it’s crucial to address these issues and prioritize mental health support within medical training and practice, encouraging healthcare professionals to recognize their limits and seek help when needed.

Establishing regular mental health check-ins for healthcare professionals can be incredibly beneficial. Incorporating sessions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) proactively addresses the mental challenges they might face during their training and careers. Normalizing discussions around mental health is essential, helping individuals recognize their tendencies and cope better with stress. Programs that are mandatory yet easy to opt into can reduce stigma and encourage participation. An online CBT course for classes has shown promise, demonstrating that integrating mental health training into the curriculum can be as vital as traditional subjects. This approach could save lives and change the culture in healthcare settings, prioritizing mental health as a crucial component alongside medical knowledge. Collectively, such initiatives can help future healthcare providers feel more equipped to handle their mental health needs while supporting their colleagues and patients effectively. By normalizing these conversations and offering support, we can significantly improve well-being in these demanding environments.