A recent analysis has revealed that female doctors face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, emphasising the need for targeted mental health support and prevention efforts within the medical community.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna, reviewed data from 39 studies across 20 countries. While suicide rates among doctors have declined over time, the findings indicate that female physicians are 76% more likely to die by suicide than women in the general population. This concerning statistic underscores the critical need for ongoing research and intervention strategies tailored to the unique pressures faced by female doctors.
Published in the BMJ journal, the research highlights disparities in suicide risk between male and female physicians. Although male doctors were not found to have a higher suicide risk compared to the general population, they did have an elevated risk when compared to professionals with similar socioeconomic status.
The study also noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for doctors, potentially increasing risk factors like depression and substance use. This period of heightened stress has particularly impacted female doctors, who may already face additional challenges such as discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
In an accompanying editorial, experts from the charity Doctors in Distress called for urgent action to address the persistently high suicide rates among female physicians. They advocated for more research to identify those at highest risk and to develop gender-specific interventions that protect the mental health of female doctors.
Katie Hardcastle, Senior Research Manager at Samaritans, expressed concern over the findings, which align with national data showing increased suicide risk among female healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. She emphasised the importance of supporting all health workers and encouraging them to seek help when needed.
In response to these findings, the NHS has reiterated its commitment to staff wellbeing, offering a range of mental health support services. However, there is a recognition that more needs to be done to ensure that all healthcare workers feel comfortable seeking help and receive appropriate support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available. In the UK, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted at 988, or you can text HOME to 741741 for crisis support. International helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
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