Investing in the Wellbeing of Overworked and Stressed GPs is an Investment in Patient Care
General Practitioners (GPs) are the backbone of the UK healthcare system. They work under immense pressure, managing increasing patient demand, long hours, and ever-growing administrative burdens. The expectation to always be calm, capable, and in control leaves little room to acknowledge stress, let alone seek support.
Yet, behind closed doors, many GPs are overworked, exhausted, and struggling to cope. The irony? The very professionals who dedicate their lives to others’ wellbeing often neglect their own.
The Reluctance to Seek Support
Despite the well-documented challenges in primary care - including burnout, high patient loads, and workforce shortages - many GPs find it difficult to admit they need help.
Why?
The culture of resilience – Medicine demands toughness, and many GPs feel they should simply "get on with it."
Fear of stigma – Admitting to stress or overwhelm can feel like a weakness, even though it’s a completely normal response to an unsustainable workload.
Time constraints – With back-to-back appointments and endless paperwork, there’s little time left for self-care.
The ‘fixer’ mindset – GPs are trained to help others, not to ask for help themselves.
But ignoring stress doesn’t make it disappear. Over time, it builds into burnout, affecting not just professional performance but also personal wellbeing, relationships, and long-term career satisfaction.
Coaching: A Practical, Confidential, and Effective Solution
Coaching provides a safe, structured, and non-judgmental space where GPs can take a step back, reflect, and develop strategies to cope more effectively. Unlike traditional counselling or therapy, coaching is future-focused and solutions-driven, helping GPs:
✅ Manage stress before it leads to burnout
✅ Develop strategies for better work-life balance
✅ Improve time management and delegation skills
✅ Set boundaries to protect personal wellbeing
✅ Regain confidence and control over their workload
Why Coaching Works for GPs
Many wellbeing initiatives in healthcare focus on reactive support - only stepping in when a GP is already struggling. Coaching is proactive, helping GPs stay resilient, perform at their best, and make meaningful changes before burnout takes hold.
What makes coaching particularly beneficial?
Confidential and judgment-free – A space to talk openly, without fear of stigma.
Tailored to individual needs – Not a one-size-fits-all approach, but personalised support that fits within a GP’s busy schedule.
Practical and results-driven – Focused on real-world strategies to make life easier, not just theoretical advice.
Investing in GP Wellbeing is an Investment in Patient Care
When GPs feel supported, valued, and in control, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. A healthier, more resilient GP is:
✔ More engaged and present with patients
✔ Less likely to take stress-related sick leave
✔ Able to make clearer decisions under pressure
✔ More fulfilled in their role, reducing turnover and workforce shortages
It’s OK to Seek Support - In Fact, It’s Essential
The reality is that no one can pour from an empty cup. GPs dedicate their lives to helping others - but who is supporting them?
If you’re a GP feeling overwhelmed, or an organisation looking to provide meaningful wellbeing support for your team, coaching offers a practical, professional, and confidential way to prevent burnout, enhance resilience, and build a more sustainable career in medicine.
The question isn’t “Do I need support?” - it’s “What difference could it make if I had it?”