High stress and stigma affecting the mental health of Doctors

In Maharashtra, at least 122 medical students (64 MBBS and 58 postgraduate students) died by suicide between 2018 and 2023. This statistic highlights the growing mental health crisis among medical professionals in the state, driven by academic pressures, financial stress, and issues like bond penalties for leaving seats during medical training. The high-stress environment in medical colleges and hospitals contributes significantly to these tragic outcomes​. The rising number of suicides in the medical profession, especially among young doctors and students, underscores the need for systemic changes to reduce the burden on healthcare professionals in the state. Anxiety among doctors is a widespread and growing concern, exacerbated by the unique pressures of the medical profession. Several factors contribute to high levels of anxiety:

Workload and long hours: Doctors, especially residents and interns, often work gruelling hours. This not only leads to physical exhaustion but also emotional stress, increasing the likelihood of anxiety. They frequently face the pressure of making life-or-death decisions, which can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

High expectations: Doctors are expected to consistently perform at their best due to the critical nature of their work. The fear of making mistakes, which could harm patients or damage their careers, leads to significant performance anxiety. This is compounded by societal expectations of doctors as infallible caregivers.

Academic and financial pressures: Medical students and early-career doctors often deal with the pressures of passing difficult exams, maintaining high academic standards, and managing substantial financial burdens from educational loans. These stressors contribute to high levels of anxiety, especially among those in training.

Stigma around mental health: In the medical field, there is often a stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among doctors. Many feel that seeking help for anxiety or other mental health concerns could be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. This discourages them from accessing necessary mental health support.

Doctors often lead irregular lifestyles due to demanding work hours, which negatively impact their physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation, common among those in hospitals and emergency departments, impairs cognitive function,  decision-making, and increases anxiety. Additionally, their hectic schedules leave little time for proper nutrition or exercise, compounding stress and leading to physical health issues. Many doctors also lack personal time for relaxation or social activities, which fosters isolation and increases the risk of depression and burnout. These factors collectively contribute to their mental and physical exhaustion.

All in all, the mental health challenges faced by doctors stem from a combination of irregular lifestyles, high expectations, and the emotional toll of patient care. While steps have been taken to address these issues, such as mental health support programs and awareness initiatives, more systemic changes are essential. Improved work-life balance, greater access to mental health resources, and reduced stigma around seeking help are vital to safeguarding the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Recognising and addressing these needs is crucial for the future of the healthcare system and its professionals.