Pressure Is a Privilege: Being Clinicians in Complex Situations

In this Mental Health Minute, Susan Noonan, MD, discussed the concept of professional pressure and its relevance to contemporary psychiatric practice. Drawing on her multifaceted perspective as a physician, mental health and wellness coach, and other endeavors, she reflected on the emotional and occupational demands faced by clinicians. Noonan was inspired by a quote attributed to tennis champion Billie Jean King—“pressure is a privilege, and champions adjust”—and used it as a framework for examining the realities of clinical work.¹

She described how psychiatrists routinely navigated complex clinical responsibilities while simultaneously managing administrative, regulatory, insurance, and governmental demands, in addition to personal and family pressures.² These cumulative forces often leave clinicians feeling constrained and at risk for stress and burnout. Noonan clarified that pressure could be understood as an external force arising from environmental expectations, as well as an internal force generated by personal standards and professional identity.

Noonan emphasized that experiencing pressure signified occupying a position of trust, responsibility, and opportunity. Clinicians have earned these roles through extensive education and training, and their performance carried meaningful consequences for patient care. she said. However, she noted that when pressure was poorly managed, it could evolve into stress, defined as the internal response to demands perceived to exceed one’s coping capacity.

Noonan encouraged psychiatrists to reframe pressure as an indicator of purpose and achievement rather than solely as a burden. She suggested that adopting this mindset could foster resilience, creativity, and professional growth, allowing clinicians to transform challenges into opportunities for meaningful contribution. She highlighted self-belief and confidence in one’s skills as a key strategy for managing pressure constructively. Noonan concluded by inviting clinicians to reflect on additional personal approaches to sustaining balance and well-being in high-pressure environments.

References

1. Kapetanakis A. Billie Jean King reveals origin of iconic quote: 'Pressure is a privilege'. US Open. July 19, 2024. Accessed January 26, 2026. https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2024-07-19/billie_jean_king_reveals_origin_of_iconic_quote_pressure_is_a_privilege.html

2. Underdahl L, Ditri M, Duthely LM. Physician burnout: evidence-based roadmaps to prioritizing and supporting personal wellbeing. J Healthc Leadersh. 2024;16:15-27.