Tackling general practitioners' depression

BMJ 1995;311:1568 (9 December)

Letters

Tackling general practitioners' depression

Know your boundaries

EDITOR,--In a recent Personal View an anonymous general practitionersuggested that she should have been more selfish. She believedthat she had failed to look after herself while successfullyjuggling the combined roles of general practitioner, wife, andmother. She should be encouraged by the fact that she has succeededin these three roles, which those of a previous generation wereoften not even permitted to attempt. I shudder, however, atthe thought of more selfishness being advocated: modern societyhas ample already. Medicine, marriage, and parenthood are allvocations that require selfless giving, but this should notdestroy the giver. A more positive phrase would be to proposeself protection. This recognises the value of giving and caringbut acknowledges individuals' need for space to reflect andrecharge their batteries. It also needs the hope of change andgrowth during a career.