“Mental Health in Dentistry. An Open And Frank Discussion” with Dr. Julie Rowse

In this episode of the Ultimate Dental Podcast, Dr. David Moffet speaks with Dr. Julie Rowse about the critical issue of mental health in the dental profession. Julie is a mental health occupational therapist with 22 years experience in public mental health. She is passionate about people being able to live life to the full and believes that through individual, family and group therapy, training and educational programs and through sharing her experience she can help others attain positive mental health.In this podcast Dr Julie and David discuss the alarming statistics surrounding mental health challenges faced by dentists, including high rates of burnout and suicidal thoughts.Julie shares her journey into mental health, her experiences working with dental professionals, and the importance of addressing mental health proactively. The conversation emphasises the need for self-care, the role of exercise, and the impact of a dentist's mental state on patient care. They also explore strategies for creating a supportive work environment and the ripple effect of mental health leadership in the community.In this conversation, Julie Rowse shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges in fitness, emphasising the importance of finding activities that resonate with individual preferences. She discusses the critical role of nutrition and sleep in maintaining mental health, advocating for a simplified approach to mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the impact of clutter and environment on mental health, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence in personal and professional settings.What you will learn:

[01:20] Introduction to Mental Health in Dentistry[03:47] Julie Rowse's Journey into Mental Health[08:15] The Importance of Mental Health Awareness[11:34] Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health[15:35] The Role of Exercise in Mental Well-being[18:47] The Impact of Dentist's Mental Health on Patients[20:39] Balancing Work and Mental Health[24:58] Empowering Dental Teams[28:37] Creating a Positive Work Environment[33:18] The Ripple Effect of Mental Health Leadership[45:03] The Importance of Nutrition and Fuelling the Body[46:21] Sleep: The Foundation of Mental Health[53:59] Simplifying Mental Health Management[56:43] The Impact of Environment on Mental Well-beingTakeaways Mental health is a significant issue in dentistry. One in six dentists consider suicide, highlighting the need for awareness. Regular self-care can prevent mental health crises. Exercise is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Creating a positive work environment enhances team morale. A supportive social network is vital for mental health. Leaders can influence the mental health of their teams. Managing thoughts can help overcome barriers to success. Running can be a personal triumph, but it's not for everyone. Finding an enjoyable activity is crucial for mental well-being. Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health and performance. Sleep is essential for mental stability and repair. Simple strategies can effectively manage mental health. Clutter can distract and negatively impact focus. Emotional intelligence enhances personal and professional success. Mental health education is lacking in traditional schooling. Creating a conducive environment is key to productivity. Prioritizing self-care leads to better overall health.Sound Bites "Mental health is my thing." "One in six think about taking their life." "We should be doing something at that stage." "I never, ever enjoyed running." "Pick the activity where you get that feeling." "We need to fuel our body." "We need to look after it and service it." "You don't go to sleep if you're highly stimulated." "Sleep is really important." "The simple things are often the best." "Clutter is a big issue." "Emotional intelligence is key to success." "Mental health just doesn't happen."