Medical Students and Mental Health
Medical students and physician trainees have rates of anxiety and depression that are higher than those of the general population and it’s not hard to understand why. Medical training is an arduous endeavor that isn’t for the faint at heart. Academic requirements, significant time commitments and large workloads make it difficult to avoid burnout – a syndrome defined by emotional exhaustion, loss of personal identity and a low sense of accomplishment.
The desire to be exemplary in a competitive environment engages the already highly self-critical students in learning behavior that can be harmful to their psychological well being. This competitiveness only exacerbates the belief that having depression or anxiety is a weakness and that they are not worthy of their spot in medical school.
Misconceptions
There is a common misconception that health care providers should be the epitome of perfect health. If you can’t keep yourself healthy how can you possibly help others? With these impossible standards, trainees continue to remain silent about their mental health. Added to this are concerns about confidentiality, privacy and stereotyping. Many medical students are afraid of getting help specifically for mental health because they fear it will have a negative effect on their potential residency placements, career and future licensure. Unfortunately, this fear isn’t completely unfounded. In a culture where stoicism and silence prevails, students often go untreated for too long, posing a greater risk to not only themselves but their patients as well.
Getting help
Understanding the causes and consequences of student stress is important, but medical schools need to go beyond just identification of a problem and work actively to promote well-being for all trainees. The Association of American Medical Colleges urges medical schools to establish relationships between faculty members and students to promote a healthier learning environment and it appears that this is finally becoming the norm. Medical schools are now required to have student wellness programs and abide by work-hour restrictions. These new programs have also included activities that focus on community building, learning and application of coping skills and stress regulation.
Although these improvements in addressing mental health concerns are commendable, there are still plenty of opportunities for improvement. Normalizing the practice of medicine as an emotionally and mentally demanding profession is a start. It should be expected that you get help when you need it. Seeing a psychotherapist should be no different than seeing your physical therapist. Advocating better mental health practices will only continue to help trainees cope with stressors, avoid burnout and address their own health concerns.
Talking to someone who has been through it
Medical professionals willing to share their experiences with their younger peers can offer wisdom and compassion at a time when they need it most. Disclosing stories of struggle and recovery can help reduce the stigma that perpetuates mental illness as something to be ashamed of.
Medical students need help too. They are doing their best to deal with a hugely challenging system of education and patient care. They need to know it’s okay to feel sad, frustrated and tired. Maybe if they knew they weren’t the only ones struggling they’d be more likely to get help. If getting help for mental health is normalized, imagine what kind of care could be given to future patients suffering themselves?