Job scene makes eye docs suicidal, depressed: Study
Suicidal tendencies and depression have been high in young ophthalmologists in the age group of 25 to 40 years during lockdown as they are worried about professional growth, training and working in a changed environment, according to a survey carried out by LV Prasad Eye Hospital in collaboration with All India Ophthalmological Society and The George Institute for Global Health India.
These tendencies came from their work as they are in close contact with a patient’s eyes and face. The increased risk of contracting the virus and need for sufficient and adequate protection gear is what led to the psychological distress.
Some 2,355 ophthalmologists
THE RISK of contracting Covid and need for protection gear is what led to the psychological distress.
in the age group of 25 to 82 years were surveyed. Depression was high in 32.6 per cent and suicidal tendencies in 3.2 per cent. Younger medical students who are studying, or yet to complete their training, are more severely affected as they find it difficult to meet their living expenses.
Job insecurity is driving young ophthalmologists, who were recently recruited, into high levels of depression as they were not sure whether they would be retained.
Other junior and senior doctors were worried by the nature of their work as they deal with the eyes and have close contact with a patient’s face. They were worried about carrying infection home to family members. The changing scenario has made it clear that the number of patients in hospitals is going to drastically reduce and that will affect the hospital and also the training of young doctors.
The outcome of the survey has impelled senior ophthalmologists to undertake counselling of students and young professionals, helping them navigate their way through these difficult times, mentoring them and providing assistance whenever required. The research was conducted primarily by Dr Rohit C. Khanna, Dr Santosh G. Honavar, Asha Latha Metla, Amritendu Bhattacharya, and Dr Pallab K. Maulik.