Counseling for Medical Professionals

Research shows that dentists face one of the highest rates of depression. Having to work with patients who often say they "hate" dentists and are afraid to come see you is far from pleasant. Seeing patients in pain on an almost daily basis can be immensely difficult. Along with the struggles of managing a business (if you are in private practice), focusing on staying on top of advances in this complex work that you do, and so much more. 

So many dentists I know personally and have worked with professionally make the time to truly hear and understand their patients. Maybe it is time to allow someone else to truly hear and understand you, as well. 

Family physicians or primary care physicians carry a great load. You can see an incredible amount of patients per day and still work dilligently. Some may think that not having a specific specialty outside of primary care is "easy", but they would be very wrong. You have to wear many hats and be knowledgable in many different areas, as most of the patients you will see in a single day could have incredibly varying symptoms and diagnoses. Patients come see you in distress and depending on you for answers. The non-stop work and exemplary empathy can start to take a toll. Perhaps it is time to switch the roles and allow someone else to take this role of "empathy" and allow you to be cared for in the way you care for your patients. 

We all know that the medical field would not be the same without you nurses. You are like the one person in the family who is the backbone and brings the family together. Yet, not everyone acknowledges this. Nurses report facing a very high level of burnout and compassion fatigue. The long hours, stressful work environments (and sometimes even having to work with patients who are not the kindest) can start to take a toll. You care for everyone. You fill others' cups. I encourage you to think about how to fill your own cup. Be honest with yourself; reach out if you feel you might benefit from some support and care from someone else to you. 

I have often been told by surgeons that they do not like being perceived as unkind, but that their job demands it. That it is easier for them to be "hardened" and deliver facts as they are. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to be perceived as this "hard" person. We are social creatures, and it is in our nature to want to belong and to be loved and admired by others. On top of this, you have to make life-or-death choices on an almost daily basis comes with a great amount of pressure and stress. And, if there are no healthy coping skills, this can start to create issues when they show up in your personal lives and relationships. Just because others around you are suffering through this, doesn't mean you have to, as well. Be the one to break this cycle in your life.