Depressed, suicidal and afraid to get help: Study shows a medical profession in distress

A survey of more than 13,000 physicians in the United States has found a profession in distress, with one in five doctors acknowledging they were depressed. Among this group, close to one-quarter are clinically depressed while about 65% said they are colloquially depressed, according to a report by Medscape, which conducted the survey. However, the survey, conducted online from June to September 2021, did find an improvement in physicians' mental health. In 2021, the rate of physicians who had considered or attempted suicide dropped by more than half the 2020 rate, to 10% from 22%. Pathologists reported the highest rate of suicidal thoughts this year—at 13%—followed by general surgeons and oncologists at 12%. Among family physicians, the rate is 10%. Read: Feeling burned out, Doctor? Go north and get on the river Less than 10% of doctors who considered or attempted suicide sought help from a therapist. Among those who did look for support, Baby Boomer and Generation X doctors were the ones who most frequently turned to a therapist, while Millennials largely confided in a family member. Meanwhile, some doctors said nothing. When asked why they kept their suicidal thoughts a secret, a number gave responses that underlined physicians’ need to constantly maintain an image of strength and infallibility. “Talking to someone makes you look like a failure, unable to cope with life’s problems,” said one doctor. Read: The importance of financial health in preventing physician burnout “I feel I should know how to deal with this myself,” said another. “Even though I wish I didn’t have to.” Another doctor said that physicians can’t seek help for mental health issues “because if we do then these temporary issues will follow us for the rest of our careers.” Another expressed fear that “if I spoke to a therapist I’d have to report receiving psychiatric treatment to credentialling or licensing boards.” Close to 15% of female doctors and 10% of male doctors reported having a colleague confide in them about suicidal thoughts. A large majority—more than 70%—tried to help by either talking to their troubled colleague or recommending they get professional help. Roughly 15% spoke to their colleague’s family member while 12% spoke to a supervisor. In some cases, the respondents took their suicidal colleague to the emergency department and few even accompanied their colleague to their first appointment with a mental health specialist. When asked if they were taking steps to improve or maintain their wellbeing, more than half said yes. Almost 70% said they protect their happiness and mental health by spending time with family and friends or engaging in favourite hobbies such as gardening and cooking. About 65% said they exercise and 50% said they made a point of getting enough sleep. Read: Understanding the early-life origins of suicide: Vulnerability may begin even before birth

Depressed, suicidal and afraid to get help: Study shows a medical profession in distress

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