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As a physiatrist how do you not get physically connected to your patients/ dealing with a patient dying?
Aisha, age 19
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Gena’s Answer
Hi Aisha,
I’m pleased you asked this because I sometimes hear the myth that psychiatrists shouldn’t form a connection with their patients. Forming a connection to a patient is not something to be feared or avoided, so long as the psychiatrist is competent and doesn’t loose sight of the professional role they play. This professional role is very different to that of a family member or friend.
Competent psychiatrists genuinely care about their patients and will therefore feel very sad if a patient dies, especially if it’s a long term patient. It is necessary for psychiatrists to obtain support and professional input from others and to look after themself at any time but especially if their patient dies.
Holding a professional role does not stop genuine emotion towards a patient. A competent psychiatrist will feel all the natural feelings that anyone else does however they have ways to work with these feelings, they routinely seek support and professional guidance and remain mindful of their professional role.
Thanks for asking,
Gena
I’m pleased you asked this because I sometimes hear the myth that psychiatrists shouldn’t form a connection with their patients. Forming a connection to a patient is not something to be feared or avoided, so long as the psychiatrist is competent and doesn’t loose sight of the professional role they play. This professional role is very different to that of a family member or friend.
Competent psychiatrists genuinely care about their patients and will therefore feel very sad if a patient dies, especially if it’s a long term patient. It is necessary for psychiatrists to obtain support and professional input from others and to look after themself at any time but especially if their patient dies.
Holding a professional role does not stop genuine emotion towards a patient. A competent psychiatrist will feel all the natural feelings that anyone else does however they have ways to work with these feelings, they routinely seek support and professional guidance and remain mindful of their professional role.
Thanks for asking,
Gena
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
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Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey Aisha! Wow, what an excellent and insightful question you've asked! It truly demonstrates your dedication and compassion towards considering a career as a psychiatrist. You're definitely not alone in wondering about this, as others have raised similar concerns. I've found a few links below where people have discussed this topic, and I believe you'll find the responses both enlightening and encouraging:
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/690709/why-is-being-a-psychiatrist-so-mentally-draining
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/635741/as-someone-interested-in-psychology-and-possibly-going-into-a-career-as-a-therapist-or-counselor-is-it-challenging-to-take-on-so-many-other-peoples-issues-does-that-affect-the-non-working-part-of-your-life-mentally-or-emotionally
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/108501/what-is-the-best-way-to-cope-with-potential-deaths-of-medical-patients
I have a dear friend who works as a marriage and family therapist (MFT). Although her profession is not exactly the same as a psychiatrist, the nature of her work and the types of clients she sees share many similarities. She's shared with me that forming attachments to patients is indeed an aspect of the job, but there are wonderful support systems in place to help cope with any overwhelming emotions. It's not uncommon for therapists to have their own therapists or to rely on the guidance of a more experienced professional—a supervisor—to help navigate complex situations and feelings, including those surrounding the death or relapse of a patient.
Always remember that pursuing a career in psychiatry is a noble and rewarding journey, and I'm confident you'll be able to nurture resilience within yourself. Keep seeking answers and be open to personal growth! I hope this information is helpful, but if you need further assistance or have additional questions, don't hesitate to ask. Wishing you the very best on this path you're exploring!
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/690709/why-is-being-a-psychiatrist-so-mentally-draining
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/635741/as-someone-interested-in-psychology-and-possibly-going-into-a-career-as-a-therapist-or-counselor-is-it-challenging-to-take-on-so-many-other-peoples-issues-does-that-affect-the-non-working-part-of-your-life-mentally-or-emotionally
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/108501/what-is-the-best-way-to-cope-with-potential-deaths-of-medical-patients
I have a dear friend who works as a marriage and family therapist (MFT). Although her profession is not exactly the same as a psychiatrist, the nature of her work and the types of clients she sees share many similarities. She's shared with me that forming attachments to patients is indeed an aspect of the job, but there are wonderful support systems in place to help cope with any overwhelming emotions. It's not uncommon for therapists to have their own therapists or to rely on the guidance of a more experienced professional—a supervisor—to help navigate complex situations and feelings, including those surrounding the death or relapse of a patient.
Always remember that pursuing a career in psychiatry is a noble and rewarding journey, and I'm confident you'll be able to nurture resilience within yourself. Keep seeking answers and be open to personal growth! I hope this information is helpful, but if you need further assistance or have additional questions, don't hesitate to ask. Wishing you the very best on this path you're exploring!