ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the components of mental health and the particular factors that can contribute to mental health disorders, substance use disorders and "burnout" in healthcare practitioners. Risk factors for substance abuse relapse were found to be significantly higher among physicians who had a family history of substance abuse, who had used a major opioid as their substance of abuse, or who had a coexisting psychiatric disorder such as depression or anxiety. The chapter focuses on colleagues, professional organizations, and medical systems to take measures to prevent, recognize and provide appropriate support and treatment for practitioners who are experiencing impaired functioning. The concepts of practitioner wellness, well-being, mental health, and overall health are ideas that have cultural origins and influences. Medical systems in developed countries support methods for obtaining time away from work in the form of bereavement days, family medical sick leave, or mental health leave.
