Taking care of one’s mental health is important, both in unusual times like these and when it’s business as usual. That is why the month of May has been dedicated as Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949. Led by Mental Health America and affiliates, the movement aims to shine a spotlight on mental health as something that concerns everyone—including ophthalmologists.
With nearly 1 in 5 people experiencing mental illness during their lifetime, physicians are no exception. They can be at high risk for burnout, depressive symptoms and mental health distress. It is therefore important to understand how to recognize the signs, find the appropriate resources and remember, you are not alone.
Taking care
Managing mental health is often a multistep process. This includes anything from identifying triggers and taking up meditation to prioritizing nutrition, exercise, sleep and more. Read up on a few ways to manage your mental health:
Research has found that talking, even to strangers, can boost our mood and make us happier; sometimes all we need is it to connect with someone who really listens. Sidewalk Talk, a global volunteer-led organization, offers people a chance to talk to trained listeners, therapists, psychologists, educators and life coaches who believe that listening helps create the connection and belonging that make us well. You can sign up for a free event with one or two available volunteers or you can leave a voice memo on their website and they will reply to you personally.
Ophthalmologists, COVID-19 and Mental Health
Taking care of mental health—especially in unique times like the current COVID-19 pandemic—can be difficult. Stigma can sometimes impede one’s ability to speak up. Physicians can be overwhelmed by fears of time constraints, appearing weak and concerns about reputation. However, those who proactively tend to their mental health are better able to take care of themselves as well as those around them.
The Physician Well-Being Index
The Academy is offering members free access to the Physician Well-Being Index (use invitation code 2477026 to sign up). This brief online assessment, developed by Mayo Clinic in partnership with MedEd Solutions, evaluates multiple dimensions of distress and burnout in just 7 to 9 questions to provide immediate individualized feedback.
This tool is intended to help ophthalmologists chart a path to personal wellness and professional fulfillment. We hope this new resource will help you better understand your overall well-being and areas of risk compared with other physicians across the nation, as well as give you access to a well-being dashboard that helps track your progress over time.
The Physician Well-Being Index assessment is anonymous and confidential. Your personalized data will not be shared with the Academy or any other individuals or companies.
Academy members will need to create an account on the Physician Well-Being Index website to take the assessment.