Physician: Heal and Care for Yourself -- with Support

Details

Written by Dana Terrell

By Dana Terrell, LCSW, EAC

All Health Care Providers have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders

Physicians, Dentists, Surgeons, RNs, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors  --  all Health Care Providers have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They are exposed to many patients’ suffering, and are expected to heal them. Sometimes the physician/nurse/teacher/therapist becomes the one in need of healing support. We may become stressed, unable to feel compassion, or traumatized by something we have witnessed.

This is fine.  We are human, too.  We will have our human needs and responses.  The goal, however, is to attend promptly so that the need can be resolved rather than continue to build.

We want a quick return to resilience, rather than requiring a long convalescence and recovery.

You know a lot about self-care already

You already know these principles, and would not have lasted as long as you have without a sense of balanced care for yourself.  But we can subtly slip into a stressed state. This is why it is worthwhile, as an individual and as an office, to discuss these issues together, at least annually.

Health care providers can subtly slip into a stressed state

SIGNS OF STRESS:

No time for eye contact

No time for small talk, connecting

Easily frustrated, critical, moody

Rolling eyes, increased sarcasm

Poor sleep, poor health, accidents

SOLUTIONS:  Read More Articles in the "Physician, Health Thyself" Series: