Essential that medical workers also get mental health support
A recent study of the mental health of young Hongkongers has found that more than 16 per cent of them have a probable psychiatric disorder. In light of these findings, I hope more attention can also be paid to the mental health struggles faced by those in the medical profession.
Despite the efforts to raise awareness, mental health remains a taboo topic of discussion, especially among healthcare workers – a subpopulation for whom it is crucial.
Research published in 2021 revealed a 16 per cent prevalence of depressive symptoms among doctors, with fewer than half reporting being formally diagnosed, and 15.3 per cent expressing thoughts of suicide. Another study revealed that 17.2 per cent of local nurses suffered from moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, attributed to increased work pressure and infection concerns amid the Covid-19 pandemic. These figures are terrifying.
Aside from the physical toll of long, unpredictable shifts and often chaotic workplaces, the potential effects on mental health cannot be ignored. However, the idea that healthcare workers too may suffer from mental illness often remains unthinkable.
Perhaps it comes down to preconceived notions of expected conduct and character. Healthcare workers are lauded for their intellectual acumen, tenacity and seemingly limitless physical, mental and emotional reserves, consequently subjecting them to constant pressure to fit these perceptions.
Society tends to commend those who “soldier on”, personal challenges notwithstanding. Moreover, the emphasis on professionalism is easily misconstrued – leading some to believe that openly expressing emotions is wrong. Such behaviour may also be stigmatising, with outward expressions of emotion considered signs of weakness, further propagating fears of being perceived as inferior or ill-suited to a medical career. It isn’t surprising, then, that many healthcare workers are unwilling to seek support.
Very few careers require making life-or-death decisions: a daily responsibility and burden that healthcare workers willingly shoulder, with its emotional impact often going unnoticed.
It is ironic that those who treat disease and promote health are also those who are often forced to silently struggle with mental health issues of their own. It is essential that we appreciate and protect our doctors, nurses and allied health workers. We desperately need interventions aimed at raising awareness about, and destigmatising, mental health in the medical field and beyond.
Healthcare workers constantly bear witness to both ends of the spectrum – some of humanity’s most joyous and tragic events. Thus, it is only natural that they too share in the resultant emotions that arise. Acknowledging this vulnerability only makes them more human, and arguably better at their jobs.
Aparna Venkitaraman, Kowloon