Navigating Healthcare with Endurance - David Schreiner - Chief Endurance Officer - Episode # 038

Mental Health

The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing mental health issues in both personal and professional environments. David Schreiner shares his insights on the need for awareness and support, especially when team members face personal challenges like divorce or underperformance 1. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues rather than ignoring them, advocating for a supportive approach to help individuals navigate difficult times.

There's so much to unpack from that, Greg, and I'm glad that was discovered because that's the hair raised on the back of my neck when you said that. But that idea of knowing your body and saying, hey, something's wrong, because we often try to say, hey, I'm just tired, or I'm coming off of a bad race, or the last training didn't go well, it'll get better, and a month later, we're still dealing with it.

--- David Schreiner

Greg McDonough prompts David to discuss the broader societal implications of mental health, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

   

Awareness

David discusses the increasing prevalence of mental health issues in healthcare settings, noting that over 50% of family medicine visits involve mental health components 2. He stresses the importance of small gestures of kindness and positivity to help individuals cope with their challenges. David also highlights the reduced stigma around seeking mental health support, encouraging open conversations and professional help when needed.

If you're a family medicine physician, over 50% of those have a component of mental health in that visit. You think about that for just a second.

--- David Schreiner

He advises parents to watch for changes in their children's behavior as a sign to initiate supportive conversations and seek help if necessary.