The last year has seen a number of physician suicides and related media reports. These deaths were not just statistics for us. They were friends and colleagues; people we knew but had not recognised the pain hidden behind the well-kept demeanours. It is well-known that doctors are at higher risk of successful suicide than the general population. As a profession, our rates of depression are higher and we have the knowledge and means of acting on these ideas. We work in stressful environments, with difficult schedules and juggle academic pressure, often at the expense of our social life and healthy life balance. Worst of all, traditional medical culture asks us to “push through” and “be tough”. It is rare to take a day off for physical illness, let alone mental health.
The problem of physician suicide and mental ill-health has been recognised for a long time. The response, whilst genuine, has not dealt with the issues systematically, nor with sufficient drive to lead to cultural and structural changes right from intern training to consultancy. The doctor mentality is part of the problem- we prioritise our patients, other staff, families, partners, friends and shut out our own problems. We don’t talk, so people who are struggling feel isolated. We are burnt out and cynical – “Oh, another suicide. Of course, after the furore dies down, everything will stay the same.”
Our mission is to create a space where all doctors, from students to senior clinicians, can share their struggles and triumphs, their stories, opinions, poetry and other arts, so no-one feels alone. By doing so, we hope to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and hopefully help someone, maybe stop the next death. Who knows? In this forum we may come up with ideas that will ultimately improve our workplace regulations and culture.
In the words of Margaret Mead,
“never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed; it is the only thing that ever has.”
We invite you to be part of this journey. It’s time to revel in our humanity.
Yours faithfully,
Kate, Brooke, Rachel and Eric
