Psychiatrists and psychologists have higher incidence of mental illness in themselves!

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Psychiatrists and psychologists treat mental issues of their patients. But what about their own mental illnesses?  Psychiatrists and psychologists are more ill mentally  Doctors   are in great stress during their training as well as career period. The workload, busy and fast life schedules, and higher expectations and competitiveness and the nature of the job itself leads to a sense of exhaustion, both physical and mental. There is a heavy burnout. Moreover, time for socialization is almost nil.  Hence, doctors are in grave risk of suffering from mental health illnesses. And in this, psychiatrists and psychologists have a higher risk and incidence of mental health issues.  It is a sad truth that psychiatrists and psychologists are more ill mentally than general public or other doctors. This has been known but not accepted and recognised sufficiently.  Also, read: Narcissist mothers are non-loving and jealous of their daughters  Studies have revealed that psychiatrists and psychologists
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The challenges faced by mental health professionals during the current coronavirus pandemic!

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COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for every single person on this Earth. It dramatically changed lives and many people suffered mentally due to it. The doctors were the frontline soldiers who had to fight it out with the viruses and patient’s illnesses due to it. Hospitals were full and intensive care units were overflowing. The patients, their families, and survivors, as well as the masses, had a lot of mental issues which rose during the pandemic. Mental health facilities were working full capacity to cope with these mental issues. They were there to help people cope with mental illnesses. But the burning question is who was taking care of these mental health professionals?

The COVID-19 pandemic and mental health problems

COVID-19 was a new virus and even doctors and scientists did not have full and in-depth knowledge about it. Yet they were forced to treat patients with their limited resources available against it. Preventive measures were in place but therapy was not magical and a cure was far away. Anti-COVID vaccines were also not available initially. All doctors had to continue with patient care amidst their own confusion about the disease and fear about contracting it themselves. But overall, worldwide these doctors did a good job.

Mental health workers had their own problems during covid-19 pandemic [Source: ESAIC]


Mental issues also erupted with the pandemic and mental health professionals were overburdened with more cases. They had to deal with them all and help them cope with the new problems. These professionals had their own families at home about whom they were also worried. In between, in the USA there were racial protests and drives and of course who can forget the Presidential elections that hogged most of the limelight. Despite all odds and minimal resources, the mental health professionals continued to see patients and treat them.

Mental health professionals and counselors and their challenges

These professionals suffered a lot themselves during the pandemic. Michael Mandel, a licensed clinical professional counselor said:

"This has without a doubt been the toughest year of my life, let alone my career,"

Most of them had symptoms of mental exhaustion and fatigue and burnout themselves. And some of they also had to seek professional help for themselves to assist them to cope with the pandemic and rising mental health patients. They had their own sufferings in the background as they took care of patients with anxiety, depression, and family member losses. Besides, there were rising cases of divorce and domestic violence and also substance abuse.

Challenges of a mental health professional [Source: BMC]

Many of them went into teleconferencing to help their patients that has its limitations. Personal connection with their patients is always better but due to the pandemic, this was changed. Those who continued to work in hospital setups found it difficult to enforce safety precautions such as with psychotic patients and face risks. Besides, the pandemic has been ongoing for more than a year with no signs of regression. There seems to be no end on the horizon and people and doctors are overwhelmed.

More about what the mental health professionals felt!!!

The professionals also went through guilt when they had to turn down patients due to their long patient lists. Also, they were saddened when they could not answer many of the questions related to COVID-19 that their patients posed to them. Janel Cubbage, a member of the American Association of Suicidology and a private psychotherapist said:

"In grad school, they don't teach you how to provide therapy and help during a pandemic,"

"This is unprecedented and at times I feel really helpless. I feel like I don't know what to do other than be present with my client and validate what they're experiencing."  

The therapists themselves had similar fears and frustrations as their clients and did not know what to tell their patients. Also due to the pandemic, many of the therapies that doctors tell their patients was unavailable such as socializing, going to a movie with a friend, etc. Patients are also presenting in more acute forms and doctors are under intense stress for a prolonged time. This had long-term consequences.

Fatigued halthcare worker [Source: Nursing Times]


Also, read Voices and sexiness and attractiveness! 

Organizational support, compensatory day-offs, better pay, respect when they say they are overwhelmed and cannot take any more cases are some points that mental health professionals expect so that they can continue to work and more people can enter and stay in the profession. They also request insurance coverage for telehealth services. Psychologist Riley Benko says:

"We're challenged, we're stretched thin, we're finding higher acuity in stress levels in our patients but it's what we're here for. People should still reach out."

 

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