Physician Suicide Awareness & Prevention
Physician suicide is a tragic and pressing issue that affects not only the Kansas City medical community but also the entire community. The Kansas City Medical Society Suicide and Prevention Initiative aims to address the significant health and professional challenges faced by physicians, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and provide resources and support to promote overall physician well-being.
The Scope of the Problem:
Physicians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession.
- Studies show that male physicians are 1.41 times more likely to die by suicide than the general male population, while female physicians are 2.27 times more likely than the general female population. (Found on 6/24/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690303/)
- Almost
30% of medical students and residents suffer from depression
and 10% report having suicidal thoughts.
(Found at
https://www.aamc.org/news/healing-very-youngest-healers on 6/24/2024)
Causes:
Contributing factors include:
- Working environment that includes long working hours, high-stress environments, sleep inconsistency, reduction of autonomy, and the degradation of the patient-physician relationship.
- Stigma surrounding physicians seeking help for mental health needs.
Impact:
- The loss of a physician to suicide affects not only their families and friends but also patients, colleagues, and the community as a whole.
KCMS Physician Suicide and Prevention Mission and Goals:
This initiative is dedicated to:
- Raising Awareness: Educating the public and the medical community about the prevalence and causes of physician suicide.
- Reducing Stigma: Promoting open discussions about mental health and encouraging physicians to seek help without fear of professional repercussions.
- Providing Resources: Offering tools, support networks, and access to mental health services tailored to the needs of physicians.
- Advocacy and Policy Change:
Working towards systemic changes in the healthcare system to create a more supportive and sustainable physician work environment.
How to Get Involved
- For Physicians:
Engage with available mental health resources, participate in support groups, and take proactive steps to manage the stressors, health, and regain control of your medical practice. - For Healthcare Institutions:
Implement policies that support physician well-being, provide mental health resources, support the physician-patient relationship, and foster a culture of openness and support. - For the Public:
Advocate for policies that support mental health initiatives for physicians, and participate in community efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Contact Us
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our Kansas City Providers and ensure they receive the care and support they need. For more information, resources, or to get involved, please contact us by filling out the form below:
Raise Awareness
Use this curated list of resources to connect physicians, colleagues or loved ones in a mental health crisis to the help they need.
