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PHYSICIAN WELLNESS COMMITTEE UPDATE Michelle Wallen, DO, MS
by ACOEP
PHYSICIAN WELLNESS COMMITTEE UPDATE Michelle Wallen, DO, MS
What is stigma? It is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a trait or characteristic that is thought to be a disadvantage. This stigma toward persons with mental illness in the medical profession can and has led to discrimination. It is a very large concern for healthcare practitioners as a barrier for reaching out for help. From work applications asking disclosure to mental illness questions, required disclosure for obtaining or renewing medical license, staff being discouraged not to talk openly about psychological problems, and simply dismissing talking about difficult and emotional issues in the workplace, the stigma over the years has forced many physicians to avoid seeking mental health treatment. This causes several concerns, which include delay in seeking care, poor quality of mental and physical care, and overall, a general feeling of emptiness, sadness, no purpose and increased risk of suicide.
We need to take a stance to change the culture and focus on the importance of stigma reduction and breaking the silence. This past October, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine ran a campaign “StopTheStigmaEM.” This was created to bring awareness, advocacy and actions for breaking down the barriers to mental healthcare in Emergency Medicine. As Emergency Medicine Physicians, we pay attention to our patients and their needs. We need to use this empathy and compassion to focus on our colleagues, residents, students, and most importantly, ourselves. We cannot help others become well if we are not well ourselves.
So how do we deal with stigma? First and foremost, do not be afraid to get treatment. Acknowledge the fact that it is “Ok not to be Ok.” Seeking counseling, connecting with others who have mental illness and getting support can help you gain self-esteem. Make sure you do not isolate yourself. You may be initially reluctant to tell anyone about your mental illness, but family, friends and members of your community can offer support if they are aware. Join a support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which offer programs to help reduce stigma.
To help in this pursuit, we need to normalize the seeking of mental health care. Approximately one in five adults will experience a diagnosable
… IT IS ‘OK NOT TO BE OK’”
mental health condition during their life. Because of this, it is imperative to support and monitor the well-being of our colleagues. Emergency Medicine is a demanding profession, and it is normal to feel the need for help at times. Do not ever feel ashamed, and do not feel alone. Help stop the stigma, because it could save a life. –•–
RESOURCES
Mayo Clinic Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental Illness StigmaFree me. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Take-the-stigmafree-pledge/ stigmafree-me
What is stigma? Why is it a problem? National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/stigmafree
Stigma and mental illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/ workplace-health/mental-health/index.html
Help Stop the Stigma University of Utah Health https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/news/2021/stop-stigma.php Stop Stigma Sacramento https://www.stopstigmasacramento.org/
SAEM Hotlines and Call Centers: Crisis Text Line: Text HELP to 741741 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) NAMI HelpLine M-F from 10am-10pm ET: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264) or info@nami.org or text NAMI to 741-741 Physician Support Line 1-888-409-0141 Call or Text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
