National Physician Suicide Awareness Day

Today is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. 

Each year, 400 doctors die by suicide resulting in over 1,000,000 patients losing their doctor.

We keep being told there is a doctor shortage but instead of looking for changes in the system that can support us and help to prevent burnout, we are made to be the problem.

I personally have been made to feel guilty about reducing my hours to protect my mental health. I have been brushed off and ignored by higher ups when attempting to discuss not only my burnout, but those of my colleagues as well.

I have been coerced to work on sick days and berated by patients when I am unable to. I have taken home hours of extra work that can’t be put off until later and then asked to take on more work because “what’s the big deal about one more patient?”

Suicide deaths are 250-400% higher among female physicians when compared to females in other professions. I care a lot and I know it’s what makes me a good doctor. But it is also what makes it harder when I say no to a patient request because evidence tells me it is bad for them and they tell me that I don’t care. It would be easier to not care. The patient is happy, the visit and note are shorter so you’re more likely to get home on time and the admin is happy that you can now see more patients. But then I would be a bad doctor. And it’s where burnout leads to eventually - like the parent who gives up and lets their 5 year old eat only candy for every meal.

To my fellow physicians and all colleagues in health care, you are not alone. Please take care of yourselves. And let’s be sure to take care of each other.