ABSTRACT
Doctors may be particularly concerned about presenting to a colleague for a mental health problem and many accept low levels of well-being, chronic stress and fatigue as the norm. Unfortunately, numerous surveys of the medical profession suggest that doctors tend to self-medicate and seek ad hoc treatment from medical friends, rather than accessing the support, management and monitoring they would recommend for a patient with mental health problems. Many doctors have fears about breaches of confidentiality, a dislike of waiting in other doctors' waiting rooms, and experience embarrassment when in the patient role. Regular health assessments provide an opportunity to develop a professional relationship with another independent doctor. When such a relationship exists, a doctor is likely to feel more comfortable attending early with mental or physical health problems or for regular debriefing. Many healthcare professionals, particularly psychologists, regularly debrief with a trusted mentor to ensure they maintain their well-being, particularly if exposed to trauma and grief.
