Pandemic Pressures on BC Doctors
In case any of you are wondering, I’m ok. I’m better than ok. I have a job I love, I am well supported at work by my staff and at home by my husband. I have gratitude and appreciation for this privilege.
Many of my colleagues can’t say the same. I am seeing more anguish, anxiety and burnout than I have ever seen before. I am in tears daily reading about the suffering of my fellow doctors.
Please be kind and understanding. Your doctor is not running late on purpose. If their bedside manner is a bit different consider that they may be at the brink of their capacity.
We recently lost a colleague to suicide, in part because of the stressors of COVID 19.
I worry about catching it but more than that I carry the constant worry that I will be an asymptomatic carrier that passes it on to one of (or many of) you.
So I wash my hands, wear my mask and I stay home. Since March. I hope you are doing the same.
I also hope you and your loved ones are well. If not, reach out and get help. It is the bravest thing you can do.
-Dr. Briar Sexton
To watch the original CTV news clip about the pandemic pressures on physicians, click here:
To find mental health resources in BC, please visit:
http://www.mindhealthbc.ca/
Bell Let’s Talk is also a valuable resource for finding mental health tools and initiatives:
https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/ways-to-help
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