The survey found that many of the GPs were experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Less than half felt unable to reach out to colleagues for support. The majority said they were more likely to instead seek help from friends and family.
Two thirds of those surveyed said they would seek help from their own family doctor but only one percent would seek help from a professional body.
While acknowledging that the UK Government and the National Health Service (NHS) in England are currently developing initiatives to address the high rates of mental health issues among GPs, Mind is calling for more to be done to tackle the work-related causes of stress such as excessive workload which may contribute to poor mental health among general practitioners.
Mind has also suggested that medical clinics and GP practices ensure appropriate support is available to primary care workers, including practice managers, receptionists and practice nurses, and that policies and procedures should be in place to promote wellbeing of staff.
Royal College of GPs responds
In response to the survey, the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), a network of over 52,000 family doctors, states that it is not surprising that more than a third of GPs are experiencing mental health issues given their workload and the fact that most healthcare professional often put the health of their patients before their own health. Long work days, high patient numbers and excessive paperwork are thought to take a toll on the wellbeing of the physical and mental health of GPs and other health professionals in primary health care.
GPs can access a free and confidential mental health service through the NHS GP Health Service which was launched in 2017. Additionally, the NHS England’s GP Forward View pledged $2.4b extra per year for general practice including 5,000 more GPs to be added to the health service by 2020. The RCGP earlier this year stated that GP workload has increased by 16 percent over the last seven years. The College has called for an additional £2.5b a year to support the services they offer which include online resources and regular events to assist healthcare professionals cope with stress and burnout.