Rise in doctors seeking support for burnout and stress

There has been an increase in the number of senior doctors presenting with burnout, stress and anxiety, according to the new Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP) annual report.

The PHMP was launched in 2015 and provides a confidential service to doctors, dentists and pharmacists who may be experiencing stress, burnout, mental health, or substance use issues.

The PHMP report noted that there were 107 new presentations in 2023, marking a 48 per cent increase in the five-year period from 2018.

Of those presenting, 87 per cent were doctors, including 27 consultants and 21 GPs.

Over 63 per cent of practitioners presenting were aged between 26 and 49 years old.

The predominant issues include anxiety, depression, burnout and substance use issues. The report notes that many of those presenting to the PHMP have worked beyond their capacity with some having reached such a level of distress that they are contemplating suicide.

“Practitioners may struggle for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it relates to unaddressed underlying vulnerabilities or stressors in their personal lives,” said Dr Íde Delargy, Medical Director PHMP. “Doctors in particular find it difficult to express vulnerability and to seek help.”

“What we do know is that the demands and responsibility of the job they do can be a precipitant for acute anxiety, depression or burnout. Many try to conceal their distress and continue to wear the ‘mask’ of normality by continuing to work.

“The link between physician health and wellbeing and patient outcomes is well documented and therefore all efforts need to be made to ensure our practitioners get help when needed and that they are supported in being healthy and well.”