Healthcare Workers Need Care Too
We dedicate our lives to helping others, working long hours under immense pressure, often sacrificing our own well-being in the process. Yet, there’s a glaring problem in our profession—no one asks us how we’re doing.
We’re expected to be unshakable, to carry the weight of others’ suffering, to take the high road in every situation. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. And for many healthcare workers, our cups have been empty for a long time.
Why Mental Health Matters for Us
We’re on the front lines of human suffering. Day in and day out, we deal with life-and-death decisions, witness tragedy, and shoulder the expectations of our patients, institutions, and colleagues. And yet, seeking mental health support is still stigmatized in our field.
For too long, the culture of medicine has equated vulnerability with weakness. We’re told to “power through” and “put the patient first.” But ignoring our own mental health isn’t just unsustainable—it’s dangerous. Burnout, depression, and even suicide rates are alarmingly high among healthcare workers.
Moral Injury: The Breaking Point
Many of us didn’t go into medicine to chase metrics or pad someone else’s bottom line. We became doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to care for people. Yet, we’re often forced to practice in systems that prioritize profits over patients.
This disconnect—known as moral injury—is deeply painful. It’s the feeling of betrayal when you’re unable to provide the care you know your patients deserve because of systemic barriers. It’s the knowledge that, while we’re overworked and exhausted, hospital CMOs and insurance companies are profiting off our labor.
This isn’t why we went to medical school. And it’s one of the reasons so many of us are leaving.
Why So Many Are Walking Away
Healthcare workers are human. We’re not immune to stress, trauma, or the effects of chronic overwork. And when the system makes it impossible to balance our professional responsibilities with our personal well-being, many of us are forced to choose: our careers or our sanity.
It’s no surprise that we’re seeing a mass exodus from medicine. Physicians, nurses, and other health professionals are leaving clinical roles to pursue careers that respect their boundaries and mental health.
You Deserve Care Too
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Healthcare workers aren’t invincible. We’re human, and we deserve the same care and compassion we give to our patients. If the system won’t protect us, we must advocate for ourselves and each other.
This is why I’m so passionate about speaking out. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone—and that it’s okay to prioritize yourself.
Let’s keep this conversation going. How do you take care of your mental health? What changes do you want to see in healthcare? Share your thoughts below.
With care,
Santoshi