Most emergency physicians report higher levels of stress since the beginning of the pandemic, and yet, a substantial number are still reluctant to seek mental health treatment.
A new survey from the American College of Emergency Physicians and Morning Consult finds that 87% of emergency physicians have experienced more stress since the coronavirus pandemic began in February and March. Additionally, over 7 in 10 have felt greater professional burnout. As for sources of the stress, 83% cited concern over family and friends contracting the virus, 65% cited concerns about their jobs, and 60% cited a lack of PPE and other necessary resources.
Despite the increased mental toll, 45% of emergency physicians said they would not feel comfortable seeking mental health treatment. That reluctance may have to do with the stigma associated with seeking help. The poll found that 73% said there is a stigma in their workplace related to seeking mental health treatment, and 71% say there is a stigma among their colleagues. Fifty-seven percent of emergency physicians say they would be concerned for their job if they sought mental health treatment.
As many as 6,000 emergency room physicians have contemplated suicide in the last year, according to the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine.
