Psychological wellbeing among psychiatry residents: dealing with stigma starts from our home

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy is the most essential skill to be cultivated during psychiatric training and stigma is the antithesis. While the psychiatry department is perceived to be a place where empathy abounds, several pieces of evidence show the contrary reality.Methods: The authors reflect on the training experience using Kolb's experiential learning cycle framework. PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE search using term "psychiatry trainee stigma", "psychiatry trainee wellbeing", "resident wellbeing", "psychiatry trainee burnout", and "resident counselling", with abstract and full-text reviewed during the conceptualization of the paper.Results: Literature showed that some psychiatry trainees at several different centres feel uncomfortable to disclose their mental health issues. It is recommended for the psychiatry department counselling team to have affiliation with non-faculty psychiatrists to facilitate the helping process. Some identified causes were burnout, poor intergenerational and intercultural communication. Improving self-care, resiliency, and the whole system to create a stigma-free environment were seen as necessary. Conclusion:Mutual reflection and collaborative attitude among staff and residents are essential to improve creativity and well-being. This will have a further impact on an empathic service towards patients and the community.