Last week I went with my husband to the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne to see Dr. Adam Kay's show "Undoctored". Dr. Kay, a former doctor turned comedian, regaled the audience with humorous anecdotes from his medical training. Yet, beneath the laughter, he also offered sobering insights into the realities of working as a junior doctor in the NHS and the profound impact it can have on mental health.
He spoke about suicide rates of doctors and other NHS workers being dispreportionally higer than the general popuation. I researched this to check his statistics, and according to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2019, the suicide rate among female NHS doctors in England is more than double that of the general female population. For male NHS doctors, the suicide rate is around 26% higher compared to the general male population. These figures underscore the significant mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals within the NHS.
However it is not just the NHS: Research suggests that certain work environments can indeed contribute to mental health issues and ultimately increase the risk of suicide among employees. Factors such as high job demands, low job control, inadequate support systems, workplace bullying or harassment, and job insecurity can all play a role in exacerbating stress and negatively impacting mental well-being.
A systematic review published in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2018 found that certain occupational factors, including high job strain, low job control, and job insecurity, were associated with an increased risk of suicide. Additionally, a report by the UK Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted work-related stress, depression, and anxiety as significant contributors to poor mental health outcomes, which can ultimately lead to suicide in extreme cases.
While these statistics provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by NHS staff and the impact of workplace environments on mental health, it's essential to continue prioritising mental health support and implementing preventive measures to address these issues effectively. Creating supportive work cultures, offering mental health resources and interventions, and promoting open dialogue about mental health are crucial steps in mitigating the risk of suicide and fostering healthier workplaces for all employees.
As a psychologist specialising in training and supporting mental well-being in the workplace, Dr. Kay's reflections resonated deeply with me. His stories served as poignant reminders of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the urgent need for mental health support in not only the NHS, but all public and private sectors.
Dr. Kay's anecdotes prompted me to contemplate the broader issues surrounding workplace mental health. It's crucial that we recognise the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in ourselves and our colleagues. Creating compassionate workplace cultures where seeking help is encouraged and stigma is dismantled is essential.
Through my own training and experiences, I've witnessed the transformative power of fostering environments where individuals feel safe to share their vulnerabilities. Let's prioritise mental health and well-being not only in the NHS but in all workplaces. Together, let's strive to create environments that nurture the holistic health of every individual. Let us create environments where it is ok to not be ok. Where talking and finding solutions is encouraged.
Recognising Burnout: What to Look Out For
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Persistent low mood
- Heightened anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Decreased productivity and motivation
- Increased irritability and cynicism
Who to Reach Out To:
- HR department or designated mental health support staff
- Occupational health services
- Employee assistance programmes (EAPs)
- Trusted colleagues or supervisors
- Mental health professionals or therapists
- Samaritans (24/7) - call 116 123
- Local crisis teams
- 999/ any A&E department
