Who Heals The Healers?

“A healer is not someone you go to for healing. A healer is someone who triggers within you the ability to heal yourself. ” -Unknown

“You up for a hug today, honey?” “Always,” I exclaimed. My favorite “lunch lady” was up to her usual tactics of cheering everyone she encountered, or at least trying. Sometimes, I long for her job. She is seemingly unburdened as she listens to everyone’s life story, pausing a moment here and there in the hustle of the day to really connect with coworkers and patient family members. I feel I sometimes do not have this luxury.

As I was preparing to write this week, I came across a staggering statistic from U.S. News and World Report. One-third of physicians report experiencing burnout at any given point. I know my blog is entitled Inspired Pharmacist, but one can imagine that these statistics at least somewhat translate across any profession involving high stress and high stakes. So, I went looking for the data. There it was, I found a similar rate reported among clinical pharmacists, especially those working primarily in critical care areas. I have not looked into contributing factors, but I can imagine burnout results in less empathy toward patients and increased feelings of being overwhelmed.

Consequently, I began to ask myself the question “who heals the healers?” Who are the ones who take the time to care about the ones caring for everyone else? Who are the ones who help restore empathy to health care professionals? Who are the ones who help restore depleted compassion?

The first person I thought of was the “lunch lady!” Many may not realize it, but she is part of the heart of the hospital. Whether she knows it or not, she carries a heavy burden. In fact, she carries a very important load, healing the healers. She, and others like her, are vital members of the patient care team. In a way, she mends the leaking wounds of other staff members and boosts morale as they go about their days. While I know and understand that a lot of healing comes from within, someone like her adds another layer of nearly impenetrable strength to our emotional armor.

We can all play a role in healing each other both emotionally, spiritually and mentally. When situations are viewed honestly and with a willingness to help, doors open and the healing process begins. In the course of healing, the one being healed and the healer both thrive.

While this lesson may be repetitive…be kind. Be the “lunch lady” to those you meet each day.