As an award-winning Osteopath, pain specialist, and founder of the Revitalize Clinic, I recently had the opportunity to speak with healthcare practitioners at Specsavers Gravesend. The focus of the talk was crucial: how to maintain mental health while caring for patients, especially difficult ones. Today, I want to share the key insights from that presentation, which I hope will resonate with anyone in healthcare—especially those searching for “osteopath near me” and “osteopath Gravesend.”
Understanding the Role of Osteopaths
At the core of my practice, osteopaths are pain clinicians who offer a unique perspective on the balance of the individual. We operate within the bio-psycho-social model, which considers the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in health. The role of an osteopath is not just to diagnose and treat but to understand the complexities that contribute to a patient’s pain experience.
The Weight of Patient Expectations
As healthcare practitioners, we often find ourselves under immense pressure. Patients project their expectations, beliefs, and emotions onto us, creating a challenging dynamic. It’s important to acknowledge that we are targets for patients’ transference and projections. Understanding this can help us manage our own mental health and build healthier relationships with our patients.
Drawing parallels between our experiences and common depictions of defence mechanisms in religion and myths can provide illuminating insights. A notable example is the story of Buddha and the demon, Mara. When faced with temptations, the Buddha called upon the earth to witness his enlightenment, symbolising the inner peace one can hold onto despite external chaos. This idea resonates with practitioners navigating the emotional turbulence inherent in the healthcare field.
Can we hold onto our peace whilst the world spins? Mindfulness and meditative practices enable us to do just that.
Distinguishing Suffering from Pain
A critical distinction to understand in our practice is that suffering is different from pain. Pain is often a physical sensation, while suffering encompasses the emotional and psychological responses to that pain. Stoic philosophy emphasises that perception is key—“Choose not to be harmed and you shall not be.” This teaching encourages practitioners to develop resilience against the emotional toll of their work.
Once again, we are empowered by focusing on what we can control; our perception.
The Observer Effect
A notable concept I introduced during my talk is the idea of the “observer.” To observe a situation is to acknowledge the separation between the observer and what is observed. This separation allows us to find peace, enabling us to manage our emotional distress and the stress associated with our roles as healthcare providers.
Stress often emerges as a defence mechanism against vulnerability, supported by various external pressures, such as sleep deprivation, poor diet, or a lack of social support. By strengthening our position as the observer, we can foster psychological flexibility and mindfulness. This mental space allows us to step away when the situation becomes overwhelming—“I can leave this party when I want to.”
Here is a mindfulness exercise that you may enjoy in fortifying your position as the observer. Meditate to reduce stress related tension | Osteopath Elliott Reid, demonstrates
Visualisations and Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness techniques and visualisations into our daily routines can be tremendously beneficial. For instance, visualising a distance between ourselves and our stressors can help alleviate their impact. By changing our nervous system response from reactive (fight or flight) to resting and observing, we cultivate a healthier mental state.
The Complexity of “Self”
As we navigate our roles, we often create an image of “the self,” which can be referred to as the ego. This self-image often demands defence, which creates additional stress. Patients who walk into our practices may reveal deep struggles—divorce, poverty, mental health issues—within minutes of consultation. It’s essential to remember that we see their defences, not just our own flaws, and that these conversations often reflect unresolved anxieties and perceived vulnerabilities.
If we understand our patient’s distress, it can help us to distance ourselves from feeling as though we are targets for their distress. We stop taking it personally.
Interconnectedness of Health
It’s fundamental to appreciate that poor mental health can bleed into physical health and vice versa. The interplay between somatic and psychological factors can lead to numerous challenges. When one area of health is compromised, it can destabilise other domains. Conversely, a healthy experience enriches our lives beyond the sum of its parts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining mental health as healthcare practitioners—particularly for osteopaths—is vital. It enables us to provide the best care for our patients while safeguarding our well-being. If you’re seeking guidance or support, consider reaching out to a professional osteopath near you, especially in Gravesend. At Revitalize Clinic, we strive to offer insights into emotional and physical health, contributing to holistic healing.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Embrace the observer within you, and seek balance amidst the chaos.
If you have any questions or want to discuss your experiences, please feel free to contact us!
By emphasising both the mental health of practitioners and the interconnectedness of health, this blog post serves as a useful resource for fellow healthcare providers and individuals seeking care.