One of the things that I have continued to do during the pandemic was to appraise doctors. It used to be that the main issue for GPs pre-pandemic was workload, then it was the pandemic with its new ways of working, and now it’s back to concerns about “too much work.” Stress levels with doctors are very high, and it is not unusual to see that in a GP appraisal, where we often look at how we can reduce work. I’ve reduced my work by retiring and returning to reduced and controlled work as a GP returner, and that tactic of working fewer sessions is one that many GPs employ to reduce stress levels. We also look in the appraisal at services that might help them to cope better. 

Stress is real and damaging. That is a theme in my photographic work. COVID-19 has made stress worse, as shown in my more recent images. Still, my images about anxiety or displacement are timeless and could have been made any time as they articulate doctor and non-doctor distress. 

A year ago, I heard a consultant psychiatrist/psychotherapist speak to a large group of appraisers. He has spent the last 15 years treating doctors with stress and burnout, and mental illnesses. I was impressed by his calm approach and some of his ideas.

Several months ago, I had the idea of creating a short zine with my images and an interview with an experienced therapist. We met at my home, recorded an audio interview, and produced a zine which hopefully will find an outlet with a doctor mental health charity. We will see how that works out in this next six months.