Medicine’s Dirty Secret | Doctors and Mental Health

Doctors have some of the highest rates of depression and suicide out of any profession, and yet, they are less likely to seek mental health treatment than the general population. Why is there such a stigma surrounding mental health among physicians? And what can we do to change it?

Mental health stigma among physicians is an issue that impacts all of us. We need to take a good hard look at the issue of mental health among physicians and start making strides to break down these barriers to seeking treatment. Only then will we be able to make meaningful progress towards happier and healthier physicians.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
01:18 The Culture of Medicine
03:21 Medical Licensure & Hospital Privileges
06:10 How to Decrease Stigma

LINKS FROM VIDEO:

#doctor #mentalhealth #depression
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Disclaimer: Content of this video is my opinion and does not constitute medical advice. The content and associated links provide general information for general educational purposes only. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Kevin Jubbal, M.D. and Med School Insiders LLC will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. May include affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them (at no extra cost to you).

[khalilahd.]

I love that you guys talk about the things like this. We need the awareness 🙏🏽

[Adakz]

4th year medical student, I have stopped stressing and I'm trying to enjoy my time more. We only live once, and no matter where you work and which residency you get into - you have the power to create the life YOU want. Stop stressing and start enjoying. Break the vicious cycle. <3

[Xynlr]

I remember med school driving me into my first experiences or anxiety and depression. I ultimately walked away and don’t regret that decision. I live a great and happy life!

[anaos]

I was denying having depression while studying for step 1. That went well... not.
Now that this is being addressed, I feel like another person. Doctors should be screened for mental health issues, not discouraged to pursue help.

[marinmazer]

I still remember my 1st year of med school, I really wanted to go to a talk about impostor syndrome but was afraid I’d be singled out or stigmatized for it. When I decided to go for it and walked in, 80% of my class was already in there, looking weirdly at each other. It felt like a huge relief for me. I dunno how many of them experienced it personally or just wanted to hear about it, but realizing the importance my cohort gives to this made me feel very grateful for my school. I’m hoping our generation and surrounding years will put stronger focus on self care in the field.

[LJStability]

A huge part of this increase in mental health can largely be stemmed from the training and hospital environment. When you adopt a hierarchical model, it's easy to justify handling rude or demeaning colleagues or attendings saying, "It will get better after I finish training". It's a learned helplessness that can spiral out of control if you aren't careful. I think a large part of the "work-life balance" that people talk about is more a response to seeing this and saying, "Damn, I'm not going to kill myself for this job if people are this much of an asshole to me".

[IronFox]

This is so true. Physicians need someone to talk to.
The stigma must be eliminated.

[collintrainor]

You forgot to mention the incredible financial burden on medical students and how risk of failure and taking on that financial burden with no medical degree if they fail affects mental health. Medical school is the most expensive it has been ever, and therefore this problem compounded on decreasingly available residency positions nationwide compared to the number of applicants is substantial. Nobody wants to fail medical school or fail to match with $200, 000-$300, 000 of student loan debt.

[sarahkhalifa]

I didn’t know that getting therapy was going to affect my career
But if i knew i might not still be alive today so Yay!
Hope things change within these couple of years before i graduate, but it doesn’t matter it’s not like i can hide 5 years of therapy

[SFROutdoors]

I like the nod at Dr. Mike with the 'happy and healthy' at the end. Very nice gesture

[dracon]

I do MRI at a hospital located in the rough side of town and the majority of my patients are drug/homeless/ams. I went to the county fair with my family and it felt weird to be around large crowds of happy, healthy, mobile people. Those type of events are needed to refresh and renew your perception of the world and your role in it.

[quashawnchadwick]

I really appreciate Dr. J for making this video. I was first introduced to this channel when I was still a premed and now I’m just about to complete M1 year and this video couldn’t come at a better time. I’m glad the conversation around the stigma of mental health is getting some attention. It’s definitely part of the hidden curriculum.

[TheRealSkinImInMD]

Such an important topic. An important aspect to improve things will be changing the culture. Physicians seeking professional help to improve their mental health should be normalized. Also, I personally have to consistently remind myself in my training that medicine isn’t everything- doing what makes me happy outside of medicine is just as important.

[azeminaay]

thank you for shining a light on this Doc, much needed conversation that needs more discussion and awareness!

[jlahoud]

I am a clinical psychologist and I plan to enter med school when I'm 30. I've been thinking about how my mental health will be affected and I am extremely concerned about it. At this age, just thinking about studying biochemistry all over again brings back some forms of anxiety. Also, I plan on getting married soon and I wonder if i will be able to sustain family needs while I'm still a student. Basically it's the only thing that is keeping me on stand from applying. The system of med schools is harsh on students and I've always thought why don't they make a program that lasts 5 or 6 years instead of 4. With respect to competition, grades don't mean much, and eventually you'll forget everything from the books if you don't practice it. In the end, it's all about time management. If this time is spaced a little, maybe students and attending physicians may have some time to take care of other things in their lives. We're only humans, not robots. Awareness is only the first step. Action is needed.

[joshualin]

This is such a great video on a problem that is complicated, but crucial to providing better care!

[Justiceisone]

This is one of the reasons why I am going into psychiatry. The entire system is garbage and NEEDS new perspective.

[arifxawad]

This video was in my recommendations constantly for 3 days straight ngl

[fatihk]

It is a very important topic.Thanks for putting this subject to the front. But it is not just working hours and hierarchy. In medical career you see lots of traumatizing events and you see them more often than any other normal person. And this will have effects on your mental health.
In my internship I was in Oncology service and it really had an impact on me and I questioned choosing medicine first time in my life as a profession. So i decided to follow a career in Microbiology. I hope everyone choose that suits their personality and interests rather more money or statue.

[marymccoy]

Thank you so much for bringing this to light. You are wonderful!