Physician Heal Thyself: New Mental Health Partnership Provides Resources for ISMS Members
ISMS President
Piyush I. Vyas, M.D.
September 24, 2024
In recent years, there has been much discussion about the rise in physician burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Medical Association’s most recent longitudinal report on burnout found that 62.8% of physicians experienced symptoms of burnout in 2021, up from 38% the previous year.[1] Chances are good that, if you have not experienced burnout personally, you know someone in your network who has.
Even more troubling are the statistics concerning suicide rates among physicians. Suicide rates for male physicians are 1.4 times higher than the overall male population and even higher for female physicians at 2.3 times greater than the overall female population.[2] Physicians are also more likely to be successful in a suicide attempt, due to their increased knowledge of the effects of various medications and increased access. The problem spans physicians’ career cycles as well: 28% of residents will experience a major depressive episode during training, and 23% of interns had experienced suicidal thoughts.[3] Even medical students have depression rates 15-30% higher than the general public.[4]
Though research shows that burnout and depression are separate issues,[5] many physicians are reluctant to reach out for help in either situation, fearing stigma and potential actions against their ability to practice. No doctor should live in fear that receiving potentially lifesaving mental health care could jeopardize their livelihood. Furthermore, receiving the care that we need as physicians is actually a benefit to patients: studies show a significant correlation between burnout and medical errors.[6] In order to be the best physicians we can be for those we serve, we must first care for ourselves.
That’s why ISMS has partnered with SafeHaven, a confidential resource available for those seeking help for their mental health. SafeHaven offers the following services to our physician members and their teams:
- Clinician Peer Coaching
- Virtual or In-Person Counseling
- 24/7 Telephonic Support
- Virtual Concierge
- Mobile app to access resources, well-being assessments, insights and more
As an ISMS member, you can access SafeHaven’s services at a discounted cost as a benefit of membership. ISMS is committed to supporting our members, including recognizing the challenges of career fatigue, burnout and other mental health issues. Beyond our partnership with SafeHaven, ISMS has also developed resources and webinars to combat physician burnout and promote wellness. Membership in our society provides community for all Illinois doctors – no physician should feel alone or suffer in silence. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and share them with those in your network, for we must all care for ourselves first, in order to provide the best possible care for our patients.
September is National Suicide Prevention month. If you are in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or text TALK to 741741 to be connected to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.