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The demands of medicine can take a profound toll, but no one has to carry that weight in silence.
Physicians and medical trainees face extraordinary emotional, psychological and professional demands. Research consistently shows higher rates of depression, burnout and suicidal ideation among these groups than in the general population. Addressing these risks openly and with compassion is essential to fostering a culture of safety, support and well-being.
Female physicians experience significantly higher suicide rates than female non-physicians (2017–2021 IRR 1.53), while male physicians show slightly lower rates than their non-physician peers.
At least one in six physicians report having contemplated or attempted suicide, and 66% say the demands of their career are a major contributor.1,2
Suicide is the leading cause of death among U.S. residents, responsible for 29.2% of trainee deaths between 2015–2021. The highest-risk period is the first academic quarter of intern year, with another spike late in PGY-2.3
1. Reduce stigma & barriers to care
Physicians and trainees often avoid seeking help due to fears of professional repercussions and stigma surrounding mental health. Confidential pathways for care, including anonymous screening tools and private counseling, are essential.2
2. Strengthen early detection & support
Warning signs often include depressed mood, emotional exhaustion, substance-use concerns and impaired relationships. Encouraging regular check-ins and peer support can help identify distress early.5
3. Address workload & systemic contributors
Job-related problems significantly increase suicide risk among physicians. Reducing administrative burden, ensuring adequate staffing and supporting work-life boundaries are critical steps.1
4. Provide targeted support for high-risk groups
5. Invest in long-term wellness infrastructure
Medical schools and health systems should convert temporary wellness initiatives into permanent programs, expanding counseling access, peer support and faculty development around well-being.4
Suicide prevention requires more than crisis response; it demands sustained institutional commitment. By reducing stigma, improving access to mental health care and fostering supportive environments, we can protect the well-being of the clinicians and students who care for others every day.
You can make a difference by:
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available, and you are not alone.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides everyone with help to prevent suicide. The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. There are over 200 local crisis centers providing local resources with innovative best practices and quality care across the United States.
Call or text 988
Find your local crisis center
Federation of State Physician Health Programs, Inc. (FSPHP)
The Federation of State Physician Health Programs, Inc. (FSPHP) is a confidential resource for physicians, other licensed healthcare professionals, or those in training suffering from addictive, psychiatric, medical, behavioral or other potentially impairing conditions.
Veterans Crisis Line
You don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to access the 24/7 confidential Veterans Crisis Line offering support for veterans and their loved ones.
Call (800) 273-8255 or text 838255
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) provides information on how to recognize signs that indicate it is time to consider asking for support, and resources created especially for healthcare professionals.
Call (800) 950-6264 or text 741741
Physician Support Line
The Physician Support Line consists of psychiatrists helping U.S. physicians and medical students navigate the many intersections of personal and professional life. This support is free and confidential, and no appointment is necessary.
Call (888) 409-0141
PeerRxMed
PeerRxMed is a free, peer-supported program designed to support clinicians with peer-to-peer support by signing up with a buddy and receiving weekly nudges to check in with each other, along with weekly supportive thoughts for contemplation or conversation during stressful times.
Physicians Anonymous
The mission of Physicians Anonymous is to prevent and mitigate physician burnout and suicide across the U.S. and globally, using anonymous peer-support groups and evidence-based strategies for doctors and institutions.
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