Working in health care can be an emotionally draining experience, and the COVID-19 has served to underline that fact. Health professionals, after all, are human beings with common emotions, just like everyone else.
However, it has historically been considered unprofessional for medical providers to express their emotions in front of their patients.
This, in turn, has led doctors to suppress and ignore their feelings, sometimes to the detriment of their own mental health. And it turns out that many patients feel dehumanized by their doctor’s distant behavior.
So what’s a doctor to do?
The role of healthcare provider emotions in medical practice is gaining the attention of researchers and recognition from medical schools alike. How physicians deal with their emotions in a clinical setting can affect both the physician and the physician-patient relationship.
Working in the medical profession creates many pressures that occur primarily as a result of dealing with the most vulnerable people, experts say. Doctors routinely witness pain and suffering, and meet death. Empathy and compassion are also central to the role of the physician.
Many situations faced by a doctor, for example, giving bad news to a patient or their family, can provoke emotional responses from doctors.
Most common emotions experienced by doctors
If doctors deal with demanding patients, they may feel angry or overwhelmed. Or, if a patient isn’t taking their medication, the prescribing doctor may be frustrated.
Concerns about the patient’s suffering or death can cause the doctor distress or sadness or even lead to depression. A physician may also experience pain if he or she encounters a patient who reminds him or her of a loved one who has passed away from a similar illness.
How to handle the most common emotions suffered by doctors?
Express your feelings
Stress and pressure come with work. Physicians should be allowed to feel what they need to feel like everyone else, and their feelings are not a sign of weakness or inability to do the job.
take breaks
If you feel overwhelmed during a patient interaction, it is acceptable to apologize, leave the room, and resume the exchange once you have calmed down. It’s never appropriate to lose your temper in front of your patients, but it’s always wise to excuse yourself if it happens and apologize if you have to.
Pay attention to emotional health
Watch for signs of depression, including prolonged sadness or trouble sleeping and feelings of hopelessness. If you feel like you’re having a hard time coping, talk to a trusted colleague or mental health professional.
Consider the importance and meaning of your work
When your emotions are getting the better of you, remind yourself that you chose an honorable field where you help and serve others. Take the time to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices he makes every day and how many people appreciate him.
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