Basic Self Care for Physician Wellness and Physician Burnout Syndrome
Physicians are excellent at assessing the health of others and helping patients improve their health. Physicians themselves are poor patients though. Physicians are notorious for not taking care of themselves. This could be the residual effects of residency, but that is for another blog post.
Watch Out for Physician Mental Health
Many physicians do not take care of themselves. They will put patient care in front of almost all aspects of life, including themselves. Many physicians lack self-care. The WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” Are you one of these physicians?
Here are questions to ask yourself to assess if you are practicing self-care. They focus on the different aspects of your life such as physical health, psychological health, emotional well-being, spirituality, and relationships.
10 Questions about Physician Wellness and Physician Burnout Syndrome
Have you had your annual physical exam?
Have you been to the dentist in the last six months?
Do you get 8 hours of sleep daily?
Do you eat highly nutritious meals daily?
Do you get 30 minutes of daily exercise?
When was the last time you went on a vacation? I’m not talking about going to a conference either.
When was the last time you connected with close relationships, such as your spouse, partner, friends, or family?
When was the last time you were able to attend special events for friends and family?
When was the last time you connected with your spirituality?
When was the last time you did your hobby?
The answer to the first five questions should be yes. Answers for the last five questions are vary, but the answers should be at least in the last 6 months, at the latest. I’d prefer to see an answer of “in the last month or two.”
Your answers may not be where you want to be. If this is you, a quick solution would be to schedule your physical exam, dentist appointment, vacations, daily movement, meal plan, phone calls to friends and family, and etc. You have to make yourself a priority.
Counseling for Physician Burnout
If you need support with physician wellness and physician burnout and want online therapy in California or online therapy in Michigan, reach out to me here for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. I want you to get better today.
My name is Chris Rabanera. I provide online therapy in California and online therapy in Michigan. Issues I work with include physician wellness and physician burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression, personal and professional relationships, family dynamics, grief, and life transitions.
