By Supriya Ramesh
They heal us when we fall sick, stand steady during emergencies, and often work sleepless nights without a word of complaint. But behind every white coat is a human being鈥攐ne who carries invisible wounds of stress, pressure, and emotional fatigue. On National Doctor鈥檚 Day, it is time we turned the spotlight on the healers themselves. As Dr P. Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Artemis Hospitals, shares, 鈥淲e often forget that doctors, too, need care, calm, and balance to keep doing what they do best.鈥 The Hidden Burden That Doctors Carry Doctors see pain, loss, and suffering every day. Telling someone bad news, comforting a family that has lost a loved one, or making quick decisions that change people’s lives all have a lot of emotional weight. 鈥淲e do a lot of work to help other people get better but often hide our own stress, anxiety, and tiredness,鈥 explains Dr Krishnan. Over time, this can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even depression. A lot of doctors say they feel cut off from their personal lives, miss time with their families, or lose sleep over important cases. The responsibility of constantly being the strong one in the room takes a toll on their mental health, a fact we often overlook, he adds. Finding Calm in Chaos Doctors use self-care routines that help them stay strong in all three areas: mentally, physically, and emotionally. These habits are not just things they do every day; they are powerful tools that keep them strong, focused, and grounded. 鈥淏ecause we care about everyone else, we use self-care to recharge, refocus, and keep healing with heart,鈥 says Dr Krishnan. Physical fitness: Working out regularly is one of the best ways to deal with stress. Many doctors plan short but effective workouts, such as yoga classes, morning runs, or strength training. 鈥淓xercise not only keeps our bodies moving, but it also helps us deal with stress and get better sleep,鈥 Dr Krishnan points out. Mental focus: Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and deep breathing exercises help doctors stay mentally grounded. 鈥淓ven ten minutes of reflection can help us regain balance when things get overwhelming,鈥 shares Dr Krishnan. Emotional calm: Some doctors say that painting, gardening, or playing an instrument helps them relax. Therapy and peer groups are safe places where people can talk about how they feel without being judged. 鈥淓ngaging in creative or calming activities gives us the emotional release we often need,鈥 says Dr Krishnan. Setting limits: Doctors now know that taking breaks, saying no when necessary, and keeping a healthy balance between work and personal life are all important ways to protect their own health and energy. 鈥淚t is essential we set boundaries鈥攕omething many of us had to learn the hard way,鈥 Dr Krishnan adds. On National Doctor’s Day, let us not only thank doctors for saving lives but also acknowledge the emotional battles they fight every day. The best way to help our healers is to help them heal鈥攂y giving them rest, exercise, mindfulness, and emotional support.