DOCTOR DEPRESSION

Re “On the perpetual unhappiness of my fellow doctors” (Opinion, March 18): I would like to thank Dr. Nicholas Pimlott for his honesty.

I empathize with his profession’s struggles and endurance in the face of often insurmountable obstacles.

I am one of the lucky ones. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I’m still here, not to write about my oncologist but my family doctor, who I have known for at least 25 years.

He takes time off to explore and restore himself. Sometimes I see a locum, but I’m okay with that as he is genuinely modelling self-care. When I need to see him, he is always present and caring.

The public should not expect all doctors to have resources to deal with trauma, addiction and other afflictions of the soul. For centuries, we have had religious organizations to help people, but non-belief and distrust has eroded this resource.

Health practitioners can’t cure everything.

■ Sue Butler Victoria

Having lived with a large fibroid for many years rather than undergo radical surgery, I was intrigued to read about a new treatment that avoids surgery.

My excellent family doctor sent me to a fertility gynecologist for an opinion. The specialist said he had read about the treatment and did not recommend it, as it was still being tested abroad and several deaths had been reported.

I said that was too bad, as it had seemed like a nice option. He looked at me in surprise and said, “Are you not going to look into it further?”

I said, “Why? You have answered my question.”

He said, “Generally, if patients don’t like an answer, they shop around to different doctors until they get the answer they want.”

No wonder doctors experience depression.

■ Diana Rowles Victoria