Unveiling the Stigma: Doctor Mental Health and Intervention Strategies

Authors

Joseph Heirigs, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Dr. Angela Palmer-Wackerly

Second Advisor

Dr. Kim Hansen

Date of this Version

Spring 3-26-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Heirigs, J. 2025, March 26. Unveiling the Stigma: Doctor Mental Health and Intervention Strategies. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Joseph Heirigs 2025.

Abstract

Background

The mental health of physicians is a pressing issue that has received increasing attention in recent years. The alarmingly high suicide rates for physicians underscores the critical need to address the mental health challenges that doctors face. Physicians are exposed to stressors that are unique to their profession, including high-stakes decision making, long work hours, traumatic patient situations, and the emotional toll of patient care. These challenges contribute to high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health issues. However, despite these factors, physicians are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment due to fears of professional repercussions, stigma, and cultural expectations.

To discuss the complexity of these issues, the social ecological model (SEM) was used and a framework. This model examines how individual, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors interact to influence the mental health of physicians. At the individual level, personality traits, coping mechanisms, and mental health disorders all play a significant role. Interpersonal factors like relationships with family, peers, and patients, also affect physicians’ mental health. Institutional considerations such as workplace policies, workload, lawsuit concerns, and access to mental health resources further contribute to the problem. Finally, cultural expectations create additional barriers to mental well-being. By examining these layers, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental health crisis among physicians.

Objective

This narrative review aims to answer the following research questions. First, it examines the key signs, symptoms, and contributing factors experienced by physicians that lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout. Second, it explores how the culture within the medical field impacts a physician’s willingness to seek mental health care. Finally, it investigates the interventions and strategies that have been implemented to address physician mental health challenges and evaluates their effectiveness. By addressing these questions, this review aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the medical profession.

Methods

This narrative review was conducted using a systematic approach to gather and analyze relevant studies on the mental health of physicians. The research was primarily conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. Keywords and phrases such as “physician mental health,” “burnout in doctors,” “physician suicide,” “physician coping mechanisms,” and “mental health stigma” were used to identify articles to use in the research. The research focused on studies that examined mental health challenges among physicians, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The findings were organized thematically according to the social ecological model, with sections dedicated to individual, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors. This approach allowed for a holistic view of the mental health challenges faced by physicians.

Results

The review identified several key factors that contribute to the mental health challenges faced by physicians. At the individual level, physicians are at an elevated risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout, often due to personality traits like perfectionism and neuroticism. While coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, and therapy have been proven to be effective, they are often underutilized by physicians. Supportive family environments and peer relationships play a critical role in mitigating stress and burnout. On the other hand, strained relationships with patients and their families contribute to emotional exhaustion. From an institutional perspective, excessively long hours, little opportunity for work-life balance, malpractice lawsuit concerns, and regulatory requirements are major contributors to physician burnout. However, initiatives such as flexible scheduling, telemedicine, and peer support programs have demonstrated promise in improving mental health outcomes for doctors. Stigma surrounding mental health and the fear of professional repercussions often discourage physicians from seeking help.

Conclusion

The mental health crisis among physicians is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The social ecological model helps explain how individual, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors all play a role in shaping physicians’ mental well-being. On an individual level, addressing personality traits and promoting healthy coping strategies are essential. Interpersonally, fostering supportive relationships with family, peers, and patients can mitigate stress and burnout. Institutionally, systemic changes such as flexible scheduling, telemedicine, and peer support programs are critical for creating a healthy work environment. On a cultural level, reducing stigma is necessary to encourage physicians to seek mental health care.

There needs to be a cultural shift within the medical field to prioritize physicians’ mental health. This would include normalizing mental health conversations, rehumanizing physicians, and creating a healthcare system that values self-care and work-life balance. By addressing these issues at all levels of the social ecological model, we can create a more supportive environment for physicians. This will ultimately improve both their well-being and their patient outcomes. Physicians’ mental health is not just an individual problem, but a larger, systemic issue that requires immediate and collective action.