Medical Personnel
Doctors, Nurses, Medical Social Workers, and Technicians
Until 2020, medical frontline doctors, nurses, social workers, technicians, and other medical staff working the front lines in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or on-call during crises or pandemics were vastly overlooked. Similar to military and first responders, it is unlikely for these individuals to seek therapeutic help, believing that it is simply part of their job to be exposed to the things they are each day. While this is true, it is not uncommon for those in the medical field to struggle with symptoms of PTSD, secondary traumatization, burnout, increased feelings of depression, or hopelessness. “Approximately 15 to 17 percent of emergency physicians, and upwards of 20 percent of emergency medicine residents met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in 2019” (“Protecting Emergency Physicians’ Mental Health,” n.d.).
Approximately 15 to 17 percent of emergency physicians, and upwards of 20 percent of emergency medicine residents met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in 2019” (“Protecting Emergency Physicians’ Mental Health,” n.d.).
Contrary to popular belief, it is not actually the event that causes trauma, but our own unique reaction to a traumatic event. Therapy provides an opportunity to regain balance and learn skills to stay within a healthy trauma threshold while helping you continue working more effectively in the field you love.