What if I'm struggling?
That just means you are human.
Overwhelmed, feel out of your depth? Imposter syndrome?
GP lends itself to more uncertainty, more use of time, undifferentiated presentations ( often multiple issues) in a limited time. Getting used to this can be difficult.
It is important to remember this is a job, not your identity.
We all struggle. We all use "resilience" too much.
Good time management, clear role responsibility, safety netting, clear boundaries, time off, exercise, healthy habits etc are as important skills to learn as any technical tasks you need to master. let us know if we need to adapt your schedule.
We have all experienced “crisis” at some point (as interns and beyond!). Burnout is a very real issue in the medical profession.
Try to recognise these emotions and be sure to reach out for support from friends, colleagues and local wellbeing supports.
The times we are working in can be stressful and demanding and we want to ensure that you are able to enjoy your intern year, despite these challenges.
Sometimes , its not work. Relationships, family, money, children or illness can affect us all.
Whether that be your mental health, physical health, work-life balance, childcare supports, these all play a role in ensuring the wellness of our doctors.
Be kind to yourself.
Supports can be found in each hospital group, which should be made available to you at orientation.
The HSE provides a website with information on the supports they provide.
https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/workplace-health-and-wellbeing-unit/
Your mentor or other practice based colleagues are there to help; often we will have had the very same emotions.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can also reach out to your intern network, who will be able to guide you to the best supports in your region, to ensure your wellness.
Finally, if you are struggling with mental health, stress or burnout, you can contact Practitioner Health, a confidential service for doctors, at www.practitionerhealth.ie.
