May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital time to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of healthcare professionals—especially hospitalists and hospitalist leaders—across both the United States and the Caribbean.
In a profession where lives depend on you, how often do you pause to take care of your mind?
Why This Month Matters—Globally
In the U.S., burnout among hospitalists has reached critical levels, with over 60% reporting symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, according to Medscape’s Physician Burnout & Depression Report.
Across the Caribbean, the pressures are no less severe. Hospital-based providers often face:
- Understaffed facilities
- Resource shortages
- Limited access to mental health care
- Stigma surrounding emotional stress
For both regions, the expectations are high—and the self-care tools, support systems, and open conversations around mental health are often limited or culturally discouraged.
Caring for the Caregivers: Our Focus This May
Throughout May, we’ll be sharing practical mental well-being strategies tailored to:
- Hospitalists
Who face constant high-stakes decision-making, long hours, and sleep disruption. - Hospitalist Leaders
Who bear the responsibility of supporting entire care teams while managing administrative burdens and emotional fatigue. - Wellness Champions
Who serve as advocates, morale builders, and often informal therapists within their departments.
What to Expect From Our Series
We will spotlight:
- Simple self-check exercises
To help hospitalists identify early signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress overload. - Peer-based wellness ideas
Like reflective rounds, buddy systems, or mental health “pause points” during shifts. - Culturally relevant practices
Integrating faith, family connection, and local support for Caribbean providers, where professional mental health services may be inaccessible. - Leadership Tools
For department heads and wellness officers to normalize mental health conversations and foster safe spaces. - Cross-Border Insights
Stories of how doctors and nurses across the Caribbean and U.S. are protecting their peace while saving lives.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity—especially for those in the business of healing others. This May, join us as we bring visibility to the silent struggles of our colleagues and empower each other with tools, hope, and community.
Whether you’re working in a bustling U.S. hospital or a rural clinic in Jamaica or Grenada—your well-being matters.
📲 Follow our page and share your own well-being strategies using #MPOMCares #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
