Physician Suicide: Investigating Its Prevalence and Cause
According to a Physicians Foundation report, 55% of doctors know a physician who considered, attempted, or died by suicide. A recent Medscape Physician Suicide Report 2023 revealed that 9% of male and 11% of female physicians have suicidal thoughts. The reasons behind this elevated rate of suicide may include the following:
- The rigid mindset and lack of psychological flexibility among physicians
- The pressure cooker environment in which they work
- The reluctance of many physicians to seek help or admit to mental health issues
Inadequate attention to the root causes of suicide and a focus on soothing strategies have failed to address the problem effectively. Nevertheless, younger physicians are reportedly discussing their trauma more openly and seeking help more readily than their predecessors.
National Doctors’ Day is an opportunity to acknowledge physicians’ dedication and sacrifice and raise awareness of the need to address the root causes of suicide among them. Read more, use MSSNY’s P2P Program, and Get Help!
Physician Suicide: Investigating Its Prevalence and Cause (Nelson, Medscape, 3/15).
