As an ophthalmic professional, you likely encounter stress during your daily work. Medicine (in general) and ophthalmology (specifically) are fast-paced environments, leading to busy and demanding clinic days. Effective stress management is crucial for ophthalmic professionals, as it directly influences patient care, job engagement, and overall quality of life. While fostering a dynamic team environment is important, it’s equally essential to care for yourself, monitor and manage your stress levels, and contribute to an excellent patient experience.
Recognizing When Stress Shows Up for You
Stress can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue), emotional responses (irritability, anxiety), or behavioral changes (withdrawal, overeating). Recognizing these signs early can help you address them before they become more severe.1
Personal Reflection
In my own life, I have learned to recognize when I am overly busy and stressed. The factors contributing to my stress often relate to my job, but many arise from my family or personal life. When my job becomes too hectic and I am coordinating health care for my parents or support for my stepchildren, it can feel overwhelming. My stress may manifest as a sense of being overwhelmed, inefficiency in my work, or snapping at someone I love.
Self-Assessment
Take a few moments to see whether you can recognize how stress affects you, your job performance, or your quality of life. What events are your triggers? How can you identify your behavior patterns and take corrective action to care for yourself and provide better customer service to your patients?
Techniques to Manage Stress
After recognizing when stress shows up, how it affects your professional relationships, and when it impacts patient care, ophthalmic professionals can develop strategies to combat stress. Here are some techniques you can use to help yourself and your patients:
• Focus on being present: Worrying about past events can lead to depression, while anxiety often stems from concerns about the future. Focusing on the present moment helps calm the mind and allows you to concentrate on the patient. As William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”2 Every day, we have the power and ability to choose our thoughts. The more we can live in the moment, the better customer service we can offer our patients.
• Journaling: I have kept a journal for most of my life, and I can attest that this exercise can be a powerful way to relieve stress.3 Journaling is a great tool for organizing thoughts, recognizing behavior patterns, and providing a constructive outlet for emotions. Spend a few minutes each day journaling, even if it’s just quick, short-hand notes. Keep a small notebook in your desk drawer and jot down your emotions throughout the day. Journaling can help you release negative feelings, recognize your behavior patterns, and improve your connection with patients.
• Professional support: Counseling or stress management programs can help battle stress. Talking with a mental health professional and learning coping techniques supports daily and long-term stress management. If you uncover feelings or behaviors that need professional support, here are some options to consider for where you can find help:
º Health benefits: Many health insurance plans cover mental health services, such as counseling and therapy. Check with your provider to find out what options are available.
º Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers now offer assistance programs to help you find support services. These offerings are often confidential and can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Check out your company’s EAP offerings if you need help navigating stress or other personal challenges.
º Local community resources: Depending on your community’s resources, consider researching offerings from your community’s health centers. These centers may offer mental health services at reduced costs. Most community resources post their offerings on their local websites.
º Online therapy platforms: Services like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer convenient access to licensed therapists. An online option can fit better into your schedule, allowing you to work with a therapist at a time outside of regular business hours and after family obligations are satisfied.
Moment of Self-Reflection
As you finish reading this article, take a moment to reflect on your stress management practices. Consider the following questions:4
• How do you currently manage stress at work?
• How is your stress impacting patient care or relationships at work?
• Are there specific techniques mentioned here that you can use to reduce your stress?
• How can improving your stress levels improve your patients’ customer service experience?
By thoughtfully considering these questions, you can take proactive steps toward better stress management, which can lead to enhanced patient care and a more supportive work environment.
• Reframing situations: When faced with stress from patients or co-workers, take a moment to reframe the issue. Consider whether compromise or assertiveness is needed and assess the true significance of the situation. Hans Selye wisely noted, “It’s not stress that kills us; it is our reaction to it.”
• Focus on gratitude: Shifting your focus to what you are grateful for can transform negative reactions into positive thoughts. Making gratitude a habit can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Eat well and protect your sleep: Adequate sleep is one of the foundational areas for reducing stress. When we do not sleep enough, we can struggle with concentration and our ability to empathize with our patients. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a fundamental element of stress management. Proper nutrition and rest bolster the body’s resilience against stress.
• Stop the drama: Be the difference in your practice by taking a stand against drama. When one team member has a negative attitude, that person can affect the entire team. If you encounter drama that increases your stress levels, recognize that you can control your response as simply as walking away. Minimizing conflict can reduce your stress and improve your practice’s customer service. A positive environment leads to better patient experiences and a more cohesive team.
Conclusion
By managing stress effectively, you can improve your critical thinking skills, focus more intently, and provide compassionate patient care. Remember, taking care of yourself benefits you and enhances the overall patient experience, allowing you to excel as an ophthalmic professional. OP
REFERENCES:
1. Joro N. School Practices and Teachers’ Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2023. Accessed April 14, 2025. https://core.ac.uk/download/595499380.pdf
2. Ocampo A. The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. Accessed April 14, 2025. https://alexandraocampotherapeute.com/the-greatest-weapon-against-stress-is-our-ability-to-choose-one-thought-over-another/
3. Trety Hotel. Journaling for stress relief. Accessed April 14, 2025. https://tretyhotel.com/journaling-for-stress-relief/
4. Dr. Laila Hishaw. Mental health check-in: how are you really doing today? Accessed April 14, 2025. https://www.drlailahishaw.com/blog/mental-health-check-in-how-are-you-really-doing-today.
