The mental health challenges of being an ER doctor

The mental health challenges of being an ER doctor

Author: MHNR Network, LLC October 23, 2018 Duration: 29:53
Dr. Larry Burchett / ER Doctor www.DoctorLarry.com

"I could never be a doctor, I can't stand the sight of blood."  Yes you can.  Almost everyone can tolerate visual images of trauma through repetition.  This is called desensitization.  In med school, we had 2 people pass out on the first day of gross anatomy (with cadaver or dead bodies).  Then they got over it.  But there is one of the 5 senses that never desensitizes, and there is a anatomic reason for this...So in the ER with trauma, we get used to it.  Blood gets our heart racing, unleashes the adrenaline and spurs us to action--stopping the bleeding and saving the life.  Not event a moment of shock anymore.

Doctors can be chronically hurt from PTSD--watching people suffer and die.  If PTSD originates from a moment where one's life is either threatened, or one witnesses another experiencing the same and associates into it, then doctors (nurses etc) may experience micro traumas that accumulate in a PTSD like syndrome.  Especially if professional lines are blurred (you fail to keep your distance).  The best doctors both engage emotionally and keep it professional so as not to burn out--a difficult balance to manage.

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Dr. John Huber (www.mainstreammentalhealth.org) is the Chairman for Mainstream Mental Health, a non-profit organization that brings lasting and positive change to the lives of individuals that suffer from mental health issues.  A mental health professional for over twenty years, Dr. Huber is a Clinical Forensic Psychologist 

 

Each week, Mainstream Mental Health connects the dots between the psychology headlines in the news and the practical steps we can take in our own lives. Host Dr. John Huber, a Clinical Forensic Psychologist with over two decades of direct experience, goes beyond simply summarizing current events. He provides a grounded analysis of how these stories reflect broader societal trends in mental health, medicine, and even fitness, exploring the real-world implications of the research and controversies making waves. This isn't just commentary from the sidelines; Dr. Huber is an active practitioner with hospital privileges, bringing a working clinician's perspective to every discussion. The conversations in this podcast are designed to translate complex topics into understandable insight, offering actionable advice for listeners seeking to make tangible, positive changes. You'll find a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping our collective well-being, dissected with both professional expertise and a relatable tone. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of news analysis and life strategy, all focused on navigating the complexities of modern mental health. The Mainstream Mental Health podcast, from MHNR Network, LLC, makes the science and stories of psychology accessible and immediately relevant.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mainstream Mental Health
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