Is stress from your job getting in the way of your happiness?
By Anticipate Joy
Responses to the “Medscape Family Medicine Physician Lifestyle, Happiness and Burnout Report 2021” indicate that in a study of more than 12,000 physicians from more than 29 specialties, family physicians are in the middle of the pack in rankings by specialty regarding happiness outside of work.
As guest speakers at TAFP's C. Frank Webber Lectureship, our co-founders Dr. Evans and Dr. Tetterton were delighted to meet many of you face to face. They shared the importance of family physicians taking care of their mental health. This has become increasingly important because researchers have consistently shown a trend of surging rates of physician burnout. It may not come as a surprise that the COVID pandemic has drained the medical profession; nearly half (47%) of family physicians in the Medscape survey reported experiencing severe burnout. In fact, an alarming 1 in 10 physicians is considering leaving medicine as a result.
The number one reason TAFP members seek therapy through AnticipateJoy.com is work stress, because many family physicians are faced with unparalleled work demands. Unfortunately, work stress left unchecked leads to relational strain, which ultimately gives way to depression and anxiety. Sadly, many people attempt to manage their mental health symptoms with negative coping, such as alcohol or drug abuse.
We want to encourage healthy coping and here are a few suggestions.
1. Stay connected
Experiencing depression may cause you to feel like you want to withdraw socially and keep to yourself, either because of low self-esteem or a lack of interest. Staying connected to healthy family members and friends can keep you from spiraling into a deeper depression as it keeps you from being alone with your thoughts. Make a date with a friend to enjoy dinner and a movie. It could improve your spirits.
2. Get some rest
Getting adequate rest every night is a must for your mood. Make it a priority to go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule. Do not skimp on your rest. Feeling fatigue will only exacerbate your depression and make it more difficult to be social, get exercise, and manage stress.
3. Get help
Talk to a professional. Anticipate Joy is an online counseling platform with licensed mental health therapists providing confidential counseling sessions. TAFP values your emotional health and they have invested in online professional counseling with Anticipate Joy so that you can have easy access to licensed professional therapists in the convenience of your own home and on your own schedule. Sessions are offered to TAFP members and residents at a discounted rate.
> Access TAFP member discounts
Your benefits
TAFP has purchased a bulk of sessions making online therapy available to you at a significantly reduced rate of $35 per session when you use the TAFP access. These sessions are available for active and resident members.
Access the Anticipate Joy service
Scan this QR code or use this link: http://bit.ly/anticipate-joy
5 easy steps to get started
- 1. Get Access. Use the customized scan code or this link to access your organization’s mental health benefits.
- 2. Complete a brief intake. Answer a few questions about you.
- 3. Purchase session(s). Take advantage of the low TAFP member rate. Purchase up to four sessions.
- 4. Select a therapist. Review available therapists using filters and request a therapist that best fits your needs.
- 5. Pick a time. After the therapist approves your request, select an appointment time that works for you and your therapist.