Curing the Bad News Blues

Curing the Bad News Blues

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With the multiple tragedies that have rocked the world, it’s no wonder that many are left dealing with psychological and mental stress. This constant stress and despair can have a lasting impact on your mental and physical health. As a physician, many know first-hand just how tough it can be to deal with bad news on the daily. A recent CNN article detailed ways for citizens to cope with surrounding tragedies, but how can a physician decompress after a stressful and sometimes grief-stricken day. Physician depression can often be a symptom of physician burnout and is something that should be addressed as soon as possible. Below are a few ways that you can combat physician depression.

Dealing With Physician Depression

Leave it at the Office

Although it’s easier said than done, separating work life from home life is a crucial part of dealing with work-related stress. Remember that once you step out of that office, you’re no longer in control of what’s going on in there. You owe it to not only yourself but also your family as well, to be present at home. Many will allow work to consume them, ultimately leading to other issues at home. It’s okay to talk about an especially tough day because it’s important to express how it affects you. Talking with a loved one can ease the burden and allow your family to understand the stresses of the job. Often, physician’s will let the weight of the day weigh on them once they get home. Leaving your work at the office will help prevent physician depression from setting in.

Lay off the Communication Devices

It’s unrealistic to ask you to destroy your cell phone and delete your emails, but it also shouldn’t become another member of the family. Limiting the time spent responding to calls or emails can limit stress. Each email or phone call allows work life to creep into other areas of your life, and that’s when problems can arise. There have been numerous studies out there that show the link between screen time and how we feel. While these devices can often provide instant gratification, they can also provide instant depression as well.

You need time to decompress both mentally and physically, but if you constantly respond to phone calls and emails dealing with work, your mind and body have to time to relax. Research shows that when there’s a clash of demands from our different responsibilities, problems spread as rapidly as the common cold. It’s fine to communicate with coworkers outside of your practice, but it shouldn’t always be about work.

physician depression

Find a Hobby 

Whether it’s golfing, woodworking, playing PokemonGO (ask the kids), it’s important to find something completely unrelated to the medical field to take your mind off of the stresses of the job. A hobby cannot only be satisfying aesthetically, but it can help reduce stress. It’s a known fact that those in the medical field have a higher risk of hypertension. The hobbies can help you find a relaxing activity that will help you disconnect from work.

Choose a hobby that you and your family can both partake in. Spending time with your family while hiking or playing a sport can keep those work worries away. Hobbies can help keep your mind off the more stressful aspects of work, and can greatly decrease the chances of physician depression as well.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help 

The medical field is one of the most stressful careers out there; so don’t be ashamed if you yourself need some help leaving your stress at the workplace. There are a variety of support groups and therapists that specialize in work-related stress. Talking to family members can help bridge that gap when seeking professional help. Physician depression is nothing to be ashamed of. You work in a very stressful environment so it’s okay to admit that you might need help. Physician depression can lead to much bigger issues. Asking help is a great step in combatting physician depression. You spend your entire workday helping others, so it’s time to let others help you.

Do you have any other tips when it comes to combatting physician depression? Feel free to comment them below!

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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