Mental health in sports medicine introduction The mental health of sports medicine physicians and providers can overall be difficult to evaluate.
Mental health in sports medicine introduction The mental health of sports medicine physicians and providers can overall be difficult to evaluate. This week’s post will be a little different in light of some recent events that have occurred personally. It made me take a step back, think about and realize some things about our profession.
Mental health and physicians can be a very difficult thing to evaluate for many reasons. Most mental health studies are by survey, as that is one of the only ways to measure certain metrics. There are no lab studies or strength tests to calculate.
The mental health perils of fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians (FTSMPs) have become more prominent with the dawn of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These dangers include emotional anguish, sleeplessness, alcohol/drug abuse, indications of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hopelessness, apprehension, fatigue, antagonism, and higher perceived stress. One recent study by Stavitz did specifically evaluate mental health issues and FTSMPs specifically in 35 physicians.
Of the participants, 30 FTSMPs detailed that “mental health” was tough to label; however, based on personal understandings, most contributors professed that mental health is a facet of one’s natural life that affects one’s fitness to execute everyday responsibilities. The results propose that the FTSMPs’ view of dealing with mental health encompasses a customized methodology with the impartialness of refining one’s total well-being and working life. Unambiguously, the contributors may have suffered mental health troubles due to the absence of management skills relative to their specific issues.
Thus, the lack of coping skills may distress one’s decision-making and endanger their ability to treat their patients properly. Physicians reported areas that cause stress and anxiety were patient care, busy schedules, family, and finances. Most participants were most strained about stabilizing their family’s schedule, work, individual schedule, and social life.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to mental health in sports medicine, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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