Healthcare is a hazardous career tract. The 2024 Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report illustrates the perils inherent to most everyone in our professions. This survey of 15,000 physicians documented 44% experiencing anxiety, 11% the blues, and 4% clinically depressed. And in the United States, one physician each days commits suicide – the highest rate among any profession. Highest risk was identified among those with longer work hours (nation-wide average 55 hours per week), women shouldering disproportionate family responsibilities, and the often exasperating use of fully integrated electronic health records.
Heather Farley, MD, Chief Wellness Officer at ChristianaCare in Delaware, notes “There’s definitely an increase in national awareness in the healthcare profession, with more health systems investing in wellness infrastructure and hiring wellness officers. Unfortunately, the pandemic related stressors have been replaced by new and exacerbated stressors in the form of financial pressures which have many health systems making fewer people do more.”
Coping responses among our colleagues run the full spectrum. Some are maladaptive: overeating, binge eating, alcohol over consumption, and self-medication. Other coping responses are more healthy and effective: increasing sleep, enjoying music, integration of exercise, and regular engagement with friends. One of the most powerful antidotes within New Testament scripture advises us to, “Be anxious for nothing, but everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. In the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Perhaps you are ready to give higher priority to personal care? Beginning on August 4, INMED is offering a structured eight-week opportunity. Our Self-Care for Health Professionals course gives you an opportunity to identify causes of emotional affliction and physical exhaustion, opportunity under guidance from Dr. Joe LeMaster to develop a personal agility plan that promotes professional and personal satisfaction with longevity.
Healthcare is a hazardous career tract. But with insight and discipline, may we all learn to “Be anxious for nothing.”