The seemingly endless intensity of work, the mounting death totals and the indifferent attitudes many Americans display toward COVID safety precautions has caused depression, burnout and moral injury for a growing number of physicians. Physician burnout started long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has greatly caused the crisis. More than 70 percent of physicians say they are experiencing burnout, which takes a toll on their health and quality of life, not to mention the impact it has on their patients. Some experts have predicted that if left unaddressed, burnout will further erode the mental health of physicians and undermine patient care and the health care system.
This infographic explores physician burnout and moral injury both before and during COVID-19, top causes for burnout, the mental health stigma that still exists in the medical community, the impact for patients and the health care system, and what can be done to address this growing crisis.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or text MHA to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7
Physician Support Line is a national, free, and confidential support line created to provide peer support for physician and American medical students as we all navigate the COVID-19 epidemic. Call: 1-888-409-0141