October 10, 2024

The Stress Continuum

Sonja Stilp, MD

Checking In:  How is your mental health, today?

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s an important time to reflect on the well-being of ourselves and those around us. Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, are increasingly common in the healthcare profession, and physicians are not immune to the stressors that can lead to burnout or worse.

In light of this, we want to encourage each of you to take a moment to check in with your colleagues—not just today but regularly. Many of us work long hours, often under immense pressure, and it’s easy to overlook signs that someone may be struggling. By fostering a culture of support and openness, we can help one another manage these challenges, especially when it comes to identifying signs of mental health strain or suicide risk.

Here are a few ways we can support each other:

Look for signs: 

Pay attention to changes in behavior, mood, or communication that could indicate distress. A colleague withdrawing, expressing hopelessness, or struggling to keep up may be a sign they need help.

Check-in regularly: 

A simple “How are you doing?” or “How’s everything going?” can go a long way. It shows you care and can open the door for someone to share what they might be going through.

Offer support: 

If someone shares their struggles, listen without judgment and remind them they are not alone. Direct them to peer support or professional help if needed. Mental health navigation resources (1-833-442-2211) and counseling services, like EAP (1-800-832-7733), are always available.

Take care of yourself:

We often focus so much on patient care that we forget to care for ourselves. Be mindful of your own mental health, take breaks, and seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Our collective health and well-being are crucial to the success of our team and the care we provide. By supporting one another, we strengthen our ability to manage the demands of our profession while protecting our own mental health.

Sonja Stilp, M.D. is a visiting specialist at St. Vincent Health. As a Physiatrist, Sonja Stilp, MD  offers specialized care for pain management and sports medicine.  She is board-certified and fellowship-trained with advanced training in regenerative medicine and biohacking. Dr. Stilp practices self LOVE and care EVERY DAY.  Appointments in Leadville at St. Vincent Health can be scheduled by calling 719-486-7166.