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Abstract
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Introduction and Aim: Doctors, including psychiatrists treating youth with mental illness, often face significant mental health challenges such as burnout, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and depression. Many struggle to access the care they need due to stigma, time constraints, and fear of professional repercussions. This study explored how doctors, who sought treatment, experience their mental health challenges, focusing on their specific treatment needs and the impact of their mental health challenges and recovery journeys on their professional functioning.
Methods: This study presents findings from a reflexive thematic analysis of ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews with doctors receiving treatment for mental health challenges at a specialized mental health center for healthcare professionals in the Netherlands. The interviews covered topics related to: 1) factors contributing to mental health challenges in doctors; 2) their treatment needs; and 3) how their experiences with mental illness and treatment impact their professional roles. Data were analyzed iteratively, with two independent coders ensuring nuanced interpretations.
Findings: Doctors' mental health challenges were shaped by workplace culture, high responsibility, emotional detachment, and lack of self-care. Hierarchical structures and a culture discouraging vulnerability further exacerbated these issues. Doctors reported benefiting most from non-verbal therapy, group sessions with other healthcare professionals, and specialized care with attention for the doctor identity. Recovery journeys increased empathy toward patients, enhanced emotional awareness, and encouraged self-care practices.
Conclusion: This study provides insights into the experiences of doctors seeking help for mental health challenges, highlighting key areas for improvement, including stigma, heavy workloads, and hierarchical pressures that hinder help-seeking. Addressing these barriers is crucial for creating a supportive environment for doctors. Specialized treatment programs, such as non-verbal therapies and peer support with attention to the doctor identity, are essential. A next step is integrating these findings into structural changes within the medical profession to foster a culture of vulnerability and openness. Improving doctors' well-being may lead to more empathetic professionals and better patient care.
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