SELF CARE
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”
-Audre Lorde
With the start of a new semester, the changes accompanying the unfamiliar workload and the demands of multiple responsibilities might make taking time for yourself seem less of a priority. But it’s important to remember that practising self care gives you the physical and emotional energy to deal with the challenges you might face. Whether it’s getting coffee with a friend, going to see a game, taking a hot bath, or recharging with a workout, be mindful to put your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being first!
THINGS TO KNOW
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Studies investigating the mental health of physicians have shown that the stresses that begin in medical school tend to continue throughout the years of practicing medicine (Tyssen and Vaglum 2002)
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The medical community exhibits a relatively high level of certain mental health problems, particularly depression, which may lead to drug abuse and suicide (Clode 2004)
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A large multicenter study showed that 53% of US medical students met criteria for what is considered burnout – emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low sense of personal accomplishment (Dyrbye et al, 2010)
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Common sources of stress are related to academic and psychosocial concerns, especially high parental expectations, vastness of syllabus, tests/exams, and lack of time to complete tasks. (Tyssen and Vaglum 2002)
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Self-care support leads to improved health outcomes and more appropriate use of health and social care services.
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Medical student well-being programme integrated into curricula showed improvements in mental health and other measures (Hassed et al 2009)
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INTERESTING READS
Interesting insight into the benefits of exercise on mental wellness
Allison Schmitt Proves Depression Doesn’t Have To Hold You Back
The Olympic champion’s inspirational journey with mental illness
25 Science-Backed Ways to Change Your Life by Taking Better Care of Yourself
Simple things can make a big difference in positivity
Building better mental health in cities from the ground up
Unique idea to alleviate the mental health burden in cities
COOL MULTIMEDIA FINDS
Guy Winch: Why we all need to practice emotional first aid
Uplifting ted talk highlighting the importance of emotional hygiene
A Med Student Decides To Be Upfront About Her Mental Issues
Listen to this podcast about this medical student’s decision to open up about her struggles
PERSPECTIVE
Goals for the end of the year.
Pokemon Go as potential treatment for mental health?
Keep the important ones in your life close.
It’s complicated.
Empathy 101.
As always, don’t forget that OHPSA is also here to support your mental health (and other!) needs.
Please forward this message to a friend or family member. Help us in the fight to break down the stigma.
Take care,
Angela Han (1T9)
Mental Health Rep
U of T Student Health Initiatives and Education Team (SHINE)
Visit our Website and Facebook Page!
If you have interesting links, I would love to share them!
angela.han@mail.utoronto.ca
References:
Tyssen R, Vaglum P. Mental health problems among young doctors: an updated review of prospective studies. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2002;10(3):154–165.
Clode D. The conspiracy of silence: emotional health among medical practitioners. South Melbourne: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; 2004.
Dyrbye L, Massie FS, Jr, Eacker A, et al. Relationship between burnout and professional conduct and attitudes among US medical students. JAMA 2010;304:1173-80.
Hassed C, de Lisle S, Sullivan G, Pier C. Enhancing the health of medical students: outcomes of an integrated mindfulness and lifestyle program. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract. 2009 Aug; 14(3):387-98.
a moment for mental health 