The medical profession is extremely demanding. Working long and unusual hours can lead to a lot of physical and mental health issues. Doctors are people whose entire lives are spent overworked and under a lot of pressure, with a high level of stress. Many face burnout due to not just endless hours but also negative patient-related outcomes, unfavourable doctor-patient interactions, and negative interpersonal experiences with colleagues.

“The pressure on doctors is immense. We often prioritise our patients' well-being over our own, which can take a significant toll on our mental health. It's crucial for doctors to recognise that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity,” Dr Pankaj Borade, a consultant psychiatrist at Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now.

According to studies, more than 30 per cent of doctors in India suffer from symptoms of depression, insomnia, and anxiety, and the numbers are only rising.

Doctors are always working tirelessly to cope with demand. But for the sake of their own health, they need to take some positive steps, which can improve their productivity in the long run. “The medical profession is incredibly demanding, and this includes setting boundaries, seeking support from peers or mental health professionals, and engaging in activities outside of work that help us de-stress and recharge,” said Dr Borade. A few tips he gave include:

In case of any epidemic or emergency, doctors, the frontline workers, are always there to provide help. And so, they also get exposed to infectious diseases. Many studies have proved that doctors neglect their own health and tend to avoid seeking health services for themselves. As practising medicine is a stressful job, doctors need to make time for breaks.

Eating on time, doing indoor or seated exercises, going for relaxation therapies, and getting the required healthcare for themselves are all various means of self-care that can help doctors achieve better mental health. “Creating a culture within the healthcare system that normalises these conversations and provides accessible resources for mental well-being is vital to ensuring the long-term health of our medical professionals,” said Dr Borade. “Taking out time for recreational activities that nourish the mind and spirit – whether it's music, art, travel, or simply spending time with loved ones – is important. These are not indulgences but essential tools for resilience,” he added.

Talking to loved ones helps de-stress and brings about a feeling of understanding and acceptance to doctors who often carry an incomparable emotional burden. Doctors should strive to focus on their relationships with friends and family and talk openly with them about their stressors.

Doctors are always working long hours and may not be able to meet their families, and so taking time to connect over social media can help. Doing so will assist in overcoming work-related stress.

Doctors should learn the art of managing stress by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and journaling – all of which can help them with their mental health. Also, organising the workspace and tasks at the place of practice helps reduce stress.

No matter how busy doctors are, taking a 10-minute walk outside, be it a garden or a terrace, also relaxes and refreshes. Developing behavioural and cognitive strategies to tackle stress and anxiety can also be a big help.

Rumours, conjecture, and negativity are becoming more and more common on social media these days, creating a detrimental effect even on doctors’ mental health. Staying away from these can help doctors maintain a neutral perspective, avoid clouding their judgement, and improve productivity.