Though we often associate post-traumatic stress disorder with combat veterans or people who have survived violence and abuse, PTSD is also a significant issue among health professionals. Physicians whose careers have routinely exposed them to high-stress situations and life-or-death decisions can struggle with their mental well-being as a result.

The Impact of PTSD on Physicians

Working in the high-pressure environment of a medical practice and witnessing patient suffering and death can lead to PTSD, especially for those in fields like emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care. The effects can severely impact your personal and professional life.

• Decreased job performance: Symptoms like hyperarousal and difficulty concentrating can lead to errors, reduced efficiency, and a decline in the quality of patient care you provide.
• Avoidance: You may separate yourself from family, friends, and colleagues due to feelings of guilt, shame, or failure, further exacerbating your stress and feelings of isolation.
• Physical health issues: Chronic stress ultimately leads to multiple health problems such as hypertension, insomnia, and fatigue.
• Substance abuse: Many doctors with PTSD use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, attempting to escape their distressing thoughts and feelings.

Warning Signs of PTSD in Physicians

Recognizing the red flags of PTSD in yourself is the first step in getting help. Symptoms can vary but commonly include the following.

• Intrusive memories: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to your trauma.
• Avoidance: Avoiding thinking or talking about your trauma in any way, including steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind you of what you went through.
• Negative changes in thinking and mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, pessimism, emotional numbness.
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior like drinking too much or driving too fast, trouble sleeping or concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.

How The Practice Can Help

At The Practice, we offer specialized support for physicians dealing with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, including PTSD, burnout, depression, and anxiety. We tailor our approach to address the psychological and physical aspects of dual diagnoses through comprehensive, confidential care.

• Trauma-informed therapy: Evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and brainspotting have proven effective in treating PTSD.
• Peer support groups: Our team has created a safe space where physicians can connect with fellow health professionals who have had similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and stigma.
• Wellness programs: We promote mindfulness and self-awareness techniques to target the secondary traumatic stress often seen in professional caregivers.
• Substance abuse treatment: The Practice has designed discreet, compassionate, and substance-specific therapy and recovery programs for clients who use drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health symptoms.

Physicians are responsible for others’ welfare, but you cannot do your job well unless you care for yourself first. PTSD is a serious condition that necessitates professional intervention. At The Practice, we provide the treatments necessary for healers to heal, regain their strength, and continue pursuing their calling.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Contact us immediately if you struggle with PTSD and a co-occurring substance use disorder. The Practice understands the unique challenges doctors face and are here to provide essential perspective and services that cater to multiple needs.