You should talk to someone

The book titled “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by the American therapist Lori Gottlieb describes the personal and professional difficulties she experienced when her long-term partner broke up with her.

This breakup led her to experience grief and symptoms of depression for which she was advised by her friends to see a therapist. Lori was very reluctant in the beginning mainly because, as a therapist herself she saw her job to help others and not to receive help.

Her first few sessions with the male therapist were not easy, as she described them, not just because she kept evaluating what he said but when he told her that ‘her negative emotions were not related to the loss of her partner but there are deep-rooted issues from her early life.’

The author takes us through her dual role as someone giving therapy to others while at the same time receiving therapy herself. This situation reminded me of other health professionals who require psychological support but find it difficult to seek help for fear of being judged or disqualified, or because the therapist is younger and junior to them in terms of clinical experience.

This attitude can lead to difficulties in the doctor-patient (who is also a doctor) relationship.

A senior colleague once said that the most difficult patients are doctors because they don’t accept their new role, or they fail to admit that they need care.

Some doctors are so perfectionists that they refuse sick leave even if they need it. This could be because they believe it is their job to save others all the time and taking a sick leave means letting their patients down, others may- subconsciously- believe that work cannot be completed without them.

Whatever the exact reason, one needs to use special skills when counseling other doctors.

I always become mindful that doctors from other specialties may not be well informed about mental health problems and their treatment, just like when I needed a bladder operation, I went to see my surgeon colleague and let him explain things to me.

It also helps to remember that some doctors become more anxious about their health and medication side effects, so it is worth spending some time explaining this thoroughly and addressing any concerns.

The consequences of untreated mental health problems among doctors and other health workers can be dangerous as they may lead to medical errors and early retirement which means losing manpower.

Therefore, talking about mental health to all healthcare professionals is essential to encourage help-seeking behaviour and address any stigma related to mental health. Doctors need to understand that they are not immune from having physical and psychological problems and that addressing these issues has a positive impact on their well-being.

Stress and burnout are hot topics among healthcare workers that sometimes go unnoticed which eventually leads to frustration and lack of productivity and engagement. Studies from the west link early retirement from medical jobs to untreated burnout which kills the passion and makes a career just like any other job.

Finally, let us spread knowledge about the importance of mental health to all members of society and work on improving the quality of services we provide to them.