Managing your health

Taking care of your patient is the first duty of every doctor, but please do not forget how important your own health and well-being are. We appreciate that it is not always as easy as it sounds and that you may need some help – this page provides advice and links to a range of support services.

Below is advice on managing your health. In our Resources section you can find contact details for a range of organisations which support doctors with health concerns. Advice and contact details also appear in our leaflet Your health matters (pdf) which you can download here.

Advice on staying well/managing your health

The following tips are to help you to manage safely any health problems you may have as a doctor.

• Make sure you are registered with a GP.
• Trust your GP to give you confidential help.
• Do not be reluctant to seek help early when you are unwell.
• Avoid ‘corridor consultations’ with colleagues. If you think you need to consult a doctor, then do so, in privacy.
• Other than for minor ailments, avoid self diagnosis and management. Treat yourself as you would expect a patient with the same condition to be treated – and have a confidential consultation with a trusted health professional.
• Note early warning signs of illness and take them seriously. For example, feeling low or irritable, or having poor concentration and low energy may be signs of burnout.
• If you are worried about your drinking or someone close to you has raised concerns, then the chances are you are drinking too much. Get help before your drinking gets out of control.
• Be sensitive to the needs of your colleagues and encourage them to seek help if you are concerned about their health.
• Try to maintain a healthy work/life balance. If you develop problems it may help to try sharing them with friends, colleagues and family.