[Who cares for the carers ? Breaking the taboo of physicians' mental health].

Abstract

Physicians' mental health is a key determinant of quality and safety of care yet remains largely taboo within the profession. Nearly 30% of physicians report depressive symptoms, up to 24% anxiety symptoms, and more than one in three meets criteria for clinical burnout. In Switzerland, about 20% of primary care physicians report a recent episode of depression or anxiety. Yet nearly 40% of physicians are reluctant to seek help for a mental health condition, fearing stigma and consequences for their license. This article summarizes recent data, analyzes the individual and systemic mechanisms sustaining this taboo, and proposes concrete measures: training, work organization, confidential access to dedicated care, and institutional destigmatization. Self-care is a professional skill, not a weakness.