The reputable online medical information portal MEDSCAPE has carried out a large-scale study on ‘burnout’ and ‘suicide’ rates among physicians; 12,339 doctors in 29 specialties were surveyed.

As expected, the consequences of a year fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, which demanded so much from all health professionals, has increased dramatically in terms of the level of burnout. About 69% of the responding physicians reported an increase in burnout and 20% in having depression. At least 1% of the respondents confessed to attempting suicide and about 10% had at least thought about it. There is increased pressure on everyone; those who have lost their jobs, lost loved ones and of course on the health professionals, the pressure is enormous.

All of this can be alleviated by taking actions to ensure a significant reduction in the numbers of new cases. This is necessary in order to relieve the pressure on the health systems and thus, on the physicians.

Physical health is very important, but mental health is no less important and must also be protected.

Be Happy and Stay Safe!

2nd March 2021