查看文章

Physician suicide is topic of growing professional and public health concern. Despite working to improve the health of others, physicians often sacrifice their own well-being to do so. Furthermore, there are systemic barriers in place that discourage self-care and help-seeking behaviors among physicians. This article will discuss the relevant epidemiology, risk factors, and barriers to treatment, then explore solutions to address this alarming trend.

Background

Physicians are healers. They perform life-saving surgeries, cure cancers, and conduct groundbreaking research. They also spend nights and weekends on call, documenting in the electronic medical record, and staying abreast of the latest innovations. In the service of others, physicians often forget to care for themselves—and work through illness, including mental illness. Yet, physicians are human, too, and need care like anyone else. 1