199. CLASSIC REWIND - Breaking The Silence: The Truth About Suicide In The Medical Field

Physician suicide isn't just a statistic; it's a crisis impacting the heart of healthcare. In this episode, we explore why so many doctors suffer in silence and what's finally being done to change that. Learn the risk factors and how small actions can make a big difference. Tune in to break the silence and be part of the solution.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• According to many sources, roughly 300 to 400 U.S. physicians die by suicide each year
• Female physicians carry a higher suicide rate than non-physician women
• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among U.S. medical residents. It takes about six months for medical students to join the ranks of depression and burnout
• Physicians are uniquely exposed through licensing fears, access to lethal means, chronic trauma exposure, perfectionism, and workload; several risk factors usually stack at once
• Asking someone directly about suicide will not plant the idea or make it worse; it is quite the opposite, and it's how connection begins

Resources Mentioned

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial or text 988 (https://988lifeline.org/)
• Physician Support Line - 1-888-409-0141 (free, confidential, staffed by volunteer psychiatrists)
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - https://www.nami.org/
• Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation - https://drlornabreen.org/
• Episode 27: Helpful Tips to Recognize and Respond to Physician Burnout and Depression - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/27-helpful-tips-to-recognize-and-respond-to-physician/id1752701820?i=1000761689692
• Episode 28: Stop the Silence: Urgent Steps for Preventing Physician Suicide Now - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/28-stop-the-silence-urgent-steps-for-preventing/id1752701820?i=1000761689580
• Episode 119: Physician Burnout And Hope For Change With Kim Downey - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/119-physician-burnout-and-hope-for-change-with-kim-downey/id1752701820?i=1000761689636
• Episode 131: The Better Physician Life: Dr. Michael Hersh On Creating A Career You Love - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/131-the-better-physician-life-dr-michael-hersh-on/id1752701820?i=1000761689446
• Episode 133: Physician Suicide, Stigma & Hope in Healthcare: Corey Feist Speaks Out - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/133-physician-suicide-stigma-hope-in-healthcare-corey/id1752701820?i=1000761689635

“We need to stop the suffering in silence. Silence costs life.” - Dr. Joanne Sotelo

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