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In recent years, there has been a sudden influx of MBBS students and doctors seeking therapy to deal with personal and professional challenges. Dr. Sai Joshi, the senior psychologist at AYUDA MIND CARE, has noticed a significant increase in the number of medical professionals seeking mental health support. This is a concerning trend, highlighting the need for mental health education in courses such as MBBS to ensure students are equipped to take care of their emotional wellbeing.
The field of medicine is known to be a demanding profession that can take a toll on one’s mental health. Doctors and medical students are expected to work long hours, deal with high-pressure situations, and witness trauma on a regular basis. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, with healthcare workers facing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout.
To gain insights into this trend, we spoke with Dr. Sai Joshi, a senior psychologist at AYUDA MIND CARE, who has noticed this trend in her practice. She highlighted several reasons why doctors are seeking therapy sessions.
Burnout and Stress
MBBS graduates work in a high-stress environment that can lead to burnout. Long hours, heavy workloads, and the constant need to make life and death decisions can be overwhelming and exhausting. Many healthcare professionals also face the added stress of dealing with difficult patients and their families.
Dr. Joshi noted that many doctors seek therapy to help them manage stress and prevent burnout. By learning coping strategies and stress-management techniques, they can reduce their risk of burnout and improve their overall well-being.
Emotional Distress
Doctors also experience emotional distress due to the nature of their work. Witnessing trauma, suffering, and death on a daily basis can take a toll on one’s mental health. Additionally, doctors often have to deal with ethical dilemmas and make difficult decisions that can weigh heavily on them. Dr. Joshi emphasized that therapy can help doctors process their emotions and find healthy ways to cope with the emotional demands of their profession. By seeking therapy, they can learn to manage their emotions and reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Stigma Reduction
There has been a long-standing stigma in the medical community around seeking therapy. Many doctors have been hesitant to seek therapy for fear of being stigmatized or judged by their peers. However, this stigma is slowly fading away, and more healthcare professionals are recognizing the importance of seeking help when they need it.
Dr. Joshi highlighted that more doctors are seeking therapy now because they feel more comfortable doing so. As the stigma around mental health care continues to diminish, more healthcare professionals are taking advantage of the resources available to them.
Professional Development
Therapy can also be a valuable tool for professional development. MBBS graduates can use therapy to improve their communication skills, learn to manage conflict, and develop leadership skills. By addressing their own personal challenges, they can become better equipped to handle the challenges of their profession.
Dr. Joshi noted that many doctors and MBBS students are seeking therapy to develop their emotional intelligence and improve their interpersonal skills. By investing in their own personal growth, they can become better healthcare providers and leaders in their field.
It is essential to address the root causes of this mental health crisis among medical professionals. One key factor is the lack of mental health education in medical courses such as MBBS. While medical students are trained to care for the physical health of their patients, there is often little emphasis on emotional wellbeing.
Medical education should include training on topics such as stress management, resilience, and emotional regulation. This will help medical professionals develop the skills they need to cope with the challenges of their work and take care of their emotional wellbeing. It will also help reduce the stigma around seeking mental health support, as medical professionals will be better equipped to recognize when they need help and know where to turn.
In conclusion, the mental health crisis among MBBS students and doctors is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. By including mental health education in medical courses, we can ensure that medical professionals are equipped to take care of their emotional wellbeing and seek support when needed. As Dr. Sai Joshi says, “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we started treating it that way.”
