Whether you are experiencing feelings of suicide or are worried about another, there is help available. If you think someone needs help or you are in a crisis, don’t wait:
- Call or text: 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- Call the Physician Support Line at (888) 409-0141
Next Sunday, September 17, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. On this day, and each day throughout September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it is critical to recognize the warning signs and ways to help prevent physician suicide.
Offering and/or seeking support can be difficult, but it is vital to seek out support if you or someone you know is experiencing stressors that could result in death by suicide. The following resources from Vital Signs: National Physician Suicide Awareness Day have been curated especially for physicians.
Peer Support Resources
A trained peer—someone who also wears scrubs and may know exactly what you’re going through—can be an invaluable resource in coping with a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation. A peer can understand the challenges and frustrations of the profession and are able to lend support in tough times. Peer support offers you a shared perspective with a skilled response.
- PeerRxMed is a free peer-to-peer program for physicians and other health care professionals. PeerRxMed offers support, connection, encouragement, resources, and skill building for optimal well-being.
- Physician Support Line helps physicians and medical students navigate personal and professional challenges through a volunteer network of psychiatrists.
- American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress offers online support groups for emergency responders and health care workers.
Confidential and Professional Support
Free, confidential, and virtual support services are available for frontline health care professionals.
- Therapy Aid Coalition provides pro-bono therapy for frontline health care professionals, including individual and group support.
- The Emotional PPE Project connects health care professionals with licensed mental health professionals who can help. This service is free and does not require insurance.
Other Resources
- Married to Doctors Podcast discusses the challenges faced by the spouses and families of physicians.
- Heroes Health is a free mobile app from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. It helps healthcare professionals and first responders monitor their mental health and gain access to mental health resources.
- CrewCare is a resilience focused app for first responders and health care professionals.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers interactive screening programs for suicide prevention, tailored for medical schools, hospitals, and health systems.
For more information and resources on suicide awareness and prevention, visit the ACS Surgeon Well-being web page.
