Obstacles to Physicians’ Emotional Health — Lessons from History

Abstract

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Oncology Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Worse, we can even be punished for seeking mental health care” [ 76 ]. This physician is correct in noting that there are severe consequences for medical professionals in seeking out mental health care that include the possibility of losing ones’ medical license, being subject to handing over personal medical records, and/or drug testing [ 77 ]. In a recent commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine , Arnold-Forster [ 77 ] and colleagues note that mental health is seen as a medical issue by healthcare professionals, and thus, considers physicians who have mental health or substance use problems to be ‘sick’.…”

“…This physician is correct in noting that there are severe consequences for medical professionals in seeking out mental health care that include the possibility of losing ones’ medical license, being subject to handing over personal medical records, and/or drug testing [ 77 ]. In a recent commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine , Arnold-Forster [ 77 ] and colleagues note that mental health is seen as a medical issue by healthcare professionals, and thus, considers physicians who have mental health or substance use problems to be ‘sick’. Moreover, the authors note that the focus on individual responsibility assumes that the HCP is personally accountable for their own wellness and that their inability to do so is their own fault [ 77 ].…”

“…In a recent commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine , Arnold-Forster [ 77 ] and colleagues note that mental health is seen as a medical issue by healthcare professionals, and thus, considers physicians who have mental health or substance use problems to be ‘sick’. Moreover, the authors note that the focus on individual responsibility assumes that the HCP is personally accountable for their own wellness and that their inability to do so is their own fault [ 77 ]. The combination of these two core beliefs leads many HCPs to feel a deep sense of shame, isolation, and fear when they are experiencing mental health distress that discourages them from seeking the care they need [ 77 ].…”

“…Moreover, the authors note that the focus on individual responsibility assumes that the HCP is personally accountable for their own wellness and that their inability to do so is their own fault [ 77 ]. The combination of these two core beliefs leads many HCPs to feel a deep sense of shame, isolation, and fear when they are experiencing mental health distress that discourages them from seeking the care they need [ 77 ]. This stigma has likely been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and it is highly likely that many oncology HCPs are suffering in silence and have not sought out the care they require [ 76 ].…”

“…This stigma can be reduced by implementing both macro- and micro-interventions. On a larger scale, physician licensing processes should not discriminate against HCPs with histories of mental health issues or those who are currently seeking mental health care [ 77 ]. On a smaller scale, as with burnout interventions noted above, mental health support for HCPs working in oncology should be part of the occupational health services available either through their own institutions [ 77 ] or through the provision of benefits where they can seek their own support without feeling a sense of stigma, shame, or fear of losing their licenses.…”