Post partum depression in women doctors

Research suggests that physician mothers may experience higher rates of depression especially post partum depression and burnout than non physician mothers. A variety of factors contribute to the same. These include 1. Work life imbalance:  The erratic duty hours and high stress levels of a doctor can affect family life leading to stress and conflict. There is hardly any time for rest, recovery and self care leading to burnout and mental health issues. 2. The post partum stress: By itself post partum period is stressful enough due to the increased physical amd emotional demands following child birth. Added to it is the increased strain of early return to duty, managing long hours of work and inadequate sleep. 3.Stigma around mental health and  potential barriers to treatment as well as fears of losing jobs can lead to women suffering in silence rather than seeking health care. 4. Social demands of managing the household and professional responsibilities is an unseen pressure which leads women to perform their best at the cost of their health and wellbeing. These factors can lead to decreased well.being of the mother as well as ability to provide adequate patient care. What can be done 1. Need for support: identify and ask for help and support from family and friends 2. Medical institutes and workplace should provide support to post partum physician mothers including flexible working hours,  leave and mental care facilities. 3. Creating a support network of friends and family members with whom one  can share their concerns 4. Adequate,  nutrition sleep,  hydration, exercise etc help in mental well being 5. Seek counselling’s and treatment options when needed Remember only a healthy mother can tend to her professional and family duties with better focus and clarity. As a doctor and new mother, I missed my own signs. Healing was a long journey through art of living courses and revisiting the Bhagavad Gita — and seeing myself in Arjuna’s moment of crisis That journey became the inspiration behind The Arjuna in Me.Buy Here 📘 For any doctor who’s ever felt isolated in their emotional struggle, this book is a gentle reminder: Being strong doesn’t mean never breaking. #DoctorDepression #MentalHealthAwareness #WomenInMedicine #PostpartumHealing #TheArjunaInMe #MotherhoodUnmasked