Surge in older doctors seeking help for depression – report
Increase of 48pc in presentations to health programme in five-year period
A growing number of older doctors are turning to a confidential service for help with anxiety, depression, burnout and substance use, a new report reveals today.
There were 107 new presentations seeking support from the service last year, most of whom were doctors as well as a number of dentists and pharmacists, with some contemplating suicide.
The Practitioner Health Matters Programme was set up to provide private support to doctors and other health professionals in distress, many of whom feel a stigma about reaching out.
Those using the service include an increasing number of older consultants and GPs, according to the body’s annual report, and some have worked “beyond their capacity”.
Sixty-eight doctors were in the 26 to 49 year age group but more senior medics are now seeking assistance.
Dr Íde Delargy, the programme’s medical director, said: “Practitioners may struggle for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it relates to unaddressed, underlying vulnerabilities or stressors in their personal lives.
“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 to patient outcomes is well documented and therefore all efforts need to be made to ensure our practitioners get help when needed and are supported in being healthy and well.
“Practitioners worry about confidentiality, particularly if they are suffering with a mental health or substance-use disorder.
“The confidentiality aspect is a key component of the support and offers a safe place for someone to share their vulnerabilities and get the help required to return to full health again.”
The report showed a 48pc increase in the number of presentations in the five-year period from 2018. Of those presenting, 87pc were doctors, including 27 consultants and 21 GPs. Eighteen of those presenting were graduate-entry doctors and there are “additional stressors in this particular group”.
The main issues are anxiety, depression, burnout and substance use issues.
The programme is expanding its network of therapists around the country with expertise in the nuances and complexities of working with practitioners.
Professor Frank Murray, chair of the programme, said: “The importance of having a confidential, independent programme is evident and we are pleased to be able to offer such a service to our colleagues. We recognise that seeking help can be difficult for a practitioner, with many barriers preventing easy access to support.
“Our aim is to be accessible in a timely manner when someone contacts the programme, recognising that practitioners often present late and sometimes in crisis work and without the commitment, expertise and the support.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; or call Pieta on freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
“Responsibility of the job can be a precipitant for acute anxiety, depression or burnout” Dr Íde Delargy