Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and advocate for healthcare worker well-being, shares her insights into the mental health crisis engulfing caregivers. She reflects on her own experience with burnout that led to a significant mistake with a patient. The conversation emphasizes the stigma around seeking help and the urgent need for support systems. Dr. Gold discusses her book, examining the shared struggles healthcare workers face and the importance of finding humanity in their demanding roles.
Nearly 50% of healthcare workers experience chronic burnout, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support within the industry.
The stigma surrounding mental health in healthcare prevents professionals from seeking help, exacerbating the cycle of neglect and distress.
Legislative efforts like the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act are necessary but must be paired with cultural shifts to promote wellness.
Deep dives
Rising Mental Health Crisis Among Healthcare Workers
The mental health crisis among healthcare workers has intensified, particularly as burnout rates surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent CDC study revealed that nearly 50% of healthcare professionals experienced chronic burnout in 2022, compared to just under a third in 2018. This alarming increase highlights a significant issue facing those in the field, especially women, who are at a 32% higher risk of suicide compared to other professions. The narrative of Dr. Lorna Breen, a New York ER doctor who tragically took her life, underscores the urgent need for greater mental health support within the healthcare system.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Healthcare workers often face substantial barriers to mental health treatment, primarily due to the stigma associated with seeking help and fears of professional repercussions. Many professionals adhere to a culture of self-sacrifice, feeling compelled to prioritize patient care over their own well-being, which leads to them working through significant personal distress. The legal requirements regarding mental health disclosures during licensure applications further compound this issue, creating an environment where individuals may prefer to hide their struggles rather than seek help. This results in a dangerous cycle of silence and neglect of mental health needs in a high-pressure work environment.
Legislative Change for Mental Health Support
In response to the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, legislative efforts have been sparked, most notably the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. This act aims to create grant programs and support services specifically for mental health care resources for frontline workers. While it marks a step towards addressing the mental health needs of healthcare providers, critics argue that the effectiveness of such legislation may feel inadequate against the widespread stigma and systemic issues within healthcare settings. There is a pressing need for both legislative initiatives and a cultural shift within the profession to ensure that mental wellness becomes a priority.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Addressing the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health within healthcare is crucial for improving workers' wellbeing. The current culture often discourages vulnerability; healthcare professionals are expected to be impervious to mental distress, complicating their ability to seek necessary support. Initiatives to normalize mental health conversations are vital, including discussions led by figures like Dr. Jesse Gold, who aim to model openness and vulnerability. By sharing their experiences and advocating for mental health awareness, healthcare leaders can create environments where seeking help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
Innovations in Mental Health Treatment
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, there is a necessity for innovative treatments and strategies to support healthcare workers' wellbeing. Currently, there is a push for holistic approaches that go beyond traditional methods, exploring therapies such as psychedelics that may offer new avenues for treatment. In addition, the integration of community support and peer networks is essential to foster connections and help reduce feelings of isolation experienced by healthcare workers. By focusing on prevention, education, and systemic change, the future can see more comprehensive mental health support tailored specifically for the needs of healthcare professionals.
Nearly half of healthcare workers are at a breaking point, describing that they often or very often feel burnt out on the job.
Most of us have heard the phrase “Put on your oxygen mask before helping others,” but rarely does that happen especially for those who work as caregivers.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold knows this firsthand when her mental overload caused her to make an unthinkable mistake with a patient. This error forced her to step back and reassess her relationship with the healthcare industry as a whole.
On this week’s episode of Well, Now Maya and Kavita speak with Dr. Gold about her latest book How Do You Feel?, and how by looking at the healthcare system through the eyes of her caregiver patients, she began to see the shared struggle many healthcare workers have to find the humanity in their work again.
Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Alicia Montgomery.
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