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Original papers: Alfred White, Purushottam Shiralkar, Tariq Hassan, Niall Galbraith, and Rhiannon Callaghan Barriers to mental healthcare for psychiatrists Psychiatr Bull 2006; 30: 382-384 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Mental Illness amongst Psychiatrists

Alexis R Bowers   (10 November 2006)

Mental Illness amongst Psychiatrists 10 November 2006
Alexis R Bowers, Psychiatry Registrar Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland, Australia Send letter to journal: Re: Mental Illness amongst Psychiatrists dralexisbowers{at}hotmail.com Alexis R Bowers	Dear Editor, Can I congratulate you on publishing White et al’s (Psychiatry Bulletin, October 2006, 30, 382-384) recent article on mental illness amongst psychiatrists. Raising awareness and appreciation of psychiatric morbidity amongst fellow health care professionals is not only essential for improving patient care but also for the long term retention of staff. Within your article you mentioned a number of factors that contribute to non-disclosure of mental illness (career implications, professional integrity and stigma). In addition those individuals who work in rural and remote locations where professional liaison amongst all allied workers is paramount can also lead to non-disclosure and self-medication due to lack of confidentiality and anonymity. It is therefore imperative that all employing hospital trusts have overt policies in place for employees experiencing psychological difficulties. In my place of employment, given its semi-rural location, we have a policy in place that allows mental health workers to access an employee assistance scheme, private service providers and mental health services in other districts. If a doctor feels that they are unable to disclose their own personal difficulties within work place supervision an awareness of the numerous national organisations that are available can certainly act as a vehicle to receiving appropriate help and support. During my own period of mental illness I received exceptional support from my work colleagues. By talking about my experiences to peers I have found solace and also surprise at the number of people who have also had similar experiences but were too afraid to talk about it. Although extremely unpleasant and disabling at the time the experience has enriched me as an individual and I personally feel that I am a better psychiatrist for it. Declaration of Interest None References: WHITE, A, SHIRALKAR, P, HASSAN, T, et al (2006)Barriers to mental healthcare for psychiatrists, Psychiatr Bull 30, 382 – 384 With Kind Regards, Dr Alexis R Bowers Psychiatry Registrar Consultation-Liaison Department Mental Health Unit Cairns Base Hospital The Esplanade Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia Tel: +61 422 668 962 Fax: +61 7 4050 6702