According to Lynette Charity, MD, the pandemic has amplified an already existing problem within the medical profession.

An Unexpected Casualty of COVID-19.

Even before COVID-19 ravaged the medical workforce, physicians, nurses, and other health workers were at increased risk for burnout and depression. Pre-pandemic stats show that one doctor dies by suicide each day in the US, a rate 50% higher than that of the general population. Sadly, in the age of COVID-19, this number is expected to increase.

Although these professionals are equipped to manage the intensity of a medical crisis, they’re not trained to deal with the mental health aftermath. The recent suicides of two health care workers hint at the COVID-19 mental health crisis to come.

According to Lynette Charity, MD, the pandemic has amplified an already existing problem within the medical profession.

“Physicians, nurses, and other health workers are experiencing serious burnout caused by COVID-19 but many are afraid to seek care as it could imperil their license and reputation. They need mental health support now more than ever…”

…says Dr. Charity, a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist whose personal battle with burnout and depression came to a head with a near-suicide attempt. After retiring from anesthesiology, and making an unlikely career shift to stand up comedy, Dr. Charity now uses humor to bring change to the medical community. Today, she gives CME accredited talks to medical professionals about mental health and how to address burnout, stress, and depression.

Understandably, COVID-19 will leave many medical professionals with emotional scars. Frontline health workers especially face a serious risk of PTSD and mental health issues due to pandemic. How we all respond to this newly erupting phase of the crisis will determine the severity and impact.

“Medicine is our calling..but it’s not supposed to kill us. We need to reduce barriers to seeking help and implement support systems…”

…says Dr. Charity who has been instrumental in bringing mental health awareness to physician wellness programs across the country. It’s understandable people want doctors in prime cognitive condition but sanctioning them for having treatable mental health disorders is not the answer. Doctors need to feel safe and supported in the workplace. By opening up the conversation and placing priority on mental health, doctors feel less isolated and are enabled to take better care of themselves and their patients.

“Medicine is our calling..but it’s not supposed to kill us. We need to reduce barriers to seeking help and implement support systems.“

– Dr. Lynette Charity

In An Interview/Article, Dr. Lynette Charity Can Share:

• Actionable Mental Health Advice for the Growing Number of Burned Out Health Workers
• Physician Suicide: An Unexpected Casualty of COVID-19
• Mental Health Resources for Physicians, Nurses & Medical Professionals
• The Lasting Mental Health Impact of COVID-19
• Medical Burnout & PTSD: A Dangerous New Phase of the COVID Crisis
• Facts & Myths About Mental Illness in the Medical Profession
• Dealing with Depression: Dr. Charity’s Inspiring Journey from Medical Burnout to Stand Up Comedy
• How to Open Up the Conversation & Address Burnout, Stress, & Depression
• How to Prevent & Reduce the COVID Medical Burnout Crisis
• Why Combating the Stigma of Mental Illness in Medicine Is Crucial (& Why Using Humor is Effective)

Dr. Lynette Charity is on a mission to reduce burnout among the COVID medical workforce and to destigmatize mental illness in the medical profession. She has actionable advice and free resources for physicians, nurses, and other health workers to improve mental health and combat the growing epidemic of suicide.