Stress in the medical professions

Dr Galen

We're always going on about the pressure and stress of our jobs here and in other places, and there's no denying that for the most part its true, but I'm just wondering how others deal with things that crop up. Do you bottle it all up, or are ya a talker, getting it all out there?

Nurses are great complainers alright, sometimes just downright moany, myself included but personally I find that I can get through fairly well. I tend to get more annoyed than stressed, say like when 2 staff are off sick and we're intensely busy with only a skeleton crew on.

Patients and their conditions don't tend to get to me that much, and I seem to be able to deal with the whole "death" thing pretty well, though I have colleagues who can get pretty affected by deaths. Is this a good or a bad thing?
Be interesting to hear the opinions of other healthcare workers here, like Care assistants (looking at u here Chunky) and maybe physios, OT's etc

Chunky Monkey

I smoke. I know it's a very bad way of dealing with stress

I only drink half a cup of coffee in the morning. Any more and I won't be calm and collected when it gets busy.

Regarding death, it doesn't affect me as much any more but there are sometimes still those moments when I see grieving relatives and I run to the bathroom (after I've got them the tea). Considering your profession I think it's better for your own sake that you don't get too affected by death.

Watching a good comedy or going to the pub after a stressful day is nice

goldenmaverick

Rule No1. Don't go out on the piss on the night after a hard/long week, all your frustrations will come out and you'll end up doing/saying something you'll regret later. Wait a day then go out.

No2. Don't drink Whiskey

No3. Try to have as many friends as possible who don't work in your sector.

Chunky Monkey

Completely agree with number three. I only have one or two beers when I go to the pub and I'll go with my friends, none of whom are in healthcare.

kelle

Thankfully, I don't see death as much in my job.
Since I had children, I don't let my job get to me as much as I used to. When I get home, I leave the hospital behind and focus only on my children (not that I have any other choice!)