Douglas Newton, MD, MPH

In 2018, the American Psychiatric Association found that 

 This number may be even higher as we persist through a 

, social and political unrest, and increasing economic stressors. In many states, the collateral impact on health care will only be exacerbated by the recent Supreme Court decision to reverse 

, our patients, and our colleagues in the medical field who turn to us for assistance.

 in itself can be polarizing and create stigma. It can place blame on the individual and does not take into account systemic or structural barriers that lead to untoward distress. At its core, 

 is an imbalance of empathy and self-compassion.

So, what can we do to improve self-compassion and empathy as mental and behavioral health providers? My answer: We cannot forget to help ourselves before we can possibly help others. What follows are 8 tips.

 Though seemingly obvious, it is not. Cardinal signs of waning compassion and empathy include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment in work or in life. In the best interests of our patients, we need to identify it in ourselves and among our peers. There are self-assessments, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory, that can help.

 We all are part of the human condition. Psychiatrists are not immune to what our patients and society are going through. Moreover, you are not the only psychiatrist or health professional suffering. Acknowledge it; do not stuff it down.

 On personal and professional levels, there is a growing and persistent need to tackle loneliness and isolation among our family, friends, patients, and peers. The loneliness epidemic predates, but has been exacerbated by, the global COVID-19 pandemic. The surgeon general of the United States, Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, has emphasized the importance of connection in our lives. Make time to reach out to colleagues, family, and friends.

Although difficult in times of stress and overwhelming schedules, proper sleep, diet, and exercise are paramount. At the same time, be kind and do not place more stress and blame on yourself if you are unable to accomplish these tasks. Remember, starting small can make a big difference. Sometimes it can be as simple as taking a few minutes to garden, take a walk in nature, or commit to less screen time at night to get started in a positive direction.

We know all too well the impact exogenous neurochemical depressants and stimulants can have on our patients. We are no exception. On the contrary, physicians are at heightened risk. If you or any of your colleagues need help, please seek it. There are anonymous resources through the Federation of State Physician Health Programs.

Studies have shown that being part of a treating team not only improves patient outcomes, but also fosters a sense of well-being for clinicians. If you are not part of a group practice or academic center, there are opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge. If you are in a remote, individual practice environment, companies like SonderMind can help facilitate virtual, supportive peer communities.

Continuously learn and grow not just in your professional field to better serve your patients, but also for yourself. Use self-inquiry, and question how certain situations or circumstances impact how we feel and react.

We are drawn to our profession to help others. We are mission-driven individuals, yet for many, psychiatry is not the only endeavor that gives us joy and purpose. Find creative or philanthropic outlets that fill your cup. Whether you want to call it altruism, religion, or spiritualism, studies have shown a sense of higher purpose promotes well-being.

Lastly, please remember, you are not the problem. However, through caring for yourself and staying connected to others, you can be the solution.

 is the chief medical officer at SonderMind.

1. American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Work Group. Psychiatrist well-being and burnout. 2018. Accessed August 1, 2022. 

https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/Well-being-and-Burnout/APA-BOT-Workgroup-Psychiatrist-Wellbeing-and-Burnout.pdf

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World

4. About FSPHP. Federation of State Physician Health Programs. Accessed August 1, 2022. 

Articles

What can we do to improve self-compassion and empathy as mental and behavioral health providers?

8 Tips for Psychiatrists to Prevent Burnout

It is January 17, 2020: The first case of COVID-19 in the United States is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although it would take until March of that year for states and municipalities to deploy mandatory lockdowns and quarantines, our country was fully enveloped in what we know today as a worldwide pandemic, unlike anything we have seen for many generations. We also know there have been many victims over the past 2 years, and this has not stopped at the loss of life—it also includes the loss of our collective sense of safety, community, and emotional stability.

To say the past 2 years have made an impact is an understatement.

Personally, COVID-19 has impacted my family on a physical and psychological level. In a strange twist of fate, in addition to being a child and adult psychiatrist, my graduate schoolwork entailed infectious disease and global health policy. I sat at a unique place to both understand what was coming and why we reacted the way we did to shortages and hoarding. Professionally, my child and adolescent practice went from an office to a virtual setting overnight. All the behavioral practitioners know exactly what I am talking about: We saw patients dealing with everything from social and academic issues at school to homebound stressors of isolation and amotivation, as well as existential fears that were beyond the realm of comprehension for adults, let alone for children. Treating others in need while trying to maintain our own mental health and wellness, and that of our friends and family, is an enormous task.

In April 2020, almost 1 month to the day after Denver declared its lockdown, I took on the role of chief medical officer at SonderMind, a company dedicated to redesigning mental and behavioral health through improved access and outcomes, building a community of practitioners, and enabling clients to use insurance to access quality care. I continued my independent practice while taking on the tremendously rewarding, yet daunting, role of helping other providers transition their practices from in-person to virtual while supporting them through a virtual professional community with education and development.

As I write this, COVID-19 continues, but is thankfully trending toward an endemic phase. However, there is no relief from a world of existential threats to freedom and humanity, whether in Europe or on our own shores. I will continue to treat my patients while ensuring other practitioners can treat theirs. There are no easy solutions, but if we lead through compassion and understanding, we can do so much good for so many. It starts with us helping 1 life at a time.

is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and chief medical officer at 

Reflections from a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Douglas Newton, MD, MPH

Articles

8 Tips for Psychiatrists to Prevent Burnout

One Life at a Time