Mental Health Resources for Physicians

A landmark 1973 report titled “The Sick Physician” declared physician impairment a widespread prob¬lem. In addition to physicians having higher rates of drug addiction than the general population, about 100 doctors a year were dying by suicide.

Just over 50 years later, the problem has grown. One in 10 physicians contemplates suicide in his or her career, and 300-400 U.S. physicians die by suicide each year, according to national estimates.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 17 was National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. As part of these campaigns, MSSC is highlighting some mental health resources available to physicians.

MSSC partners with The Battle Within and the Frontline Therapy Network to offer teletherapy services to physicians. MSSC members can receive up to six free, confidential teletherapy sessions. Physicians who are interested can complete an application at thebattle-within.org/frontlinetherapynetwork.

The Battle Within offers a fully confidential therapy program that matches the participant with the right therapist and covers the cost of their first six sessions. This structured support is designed to help individuals process trauma and establish healthy habits as part of their healing journey.

The Kansas Medical Society also offers an exten¬sive Professionals’ Health Program that provides sup¬port for substance use disorders, disruptive behaviors and burnout. Learn more at kmsonline.org.

Additional resources are available through organiza¬tions such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), the Physician Support Line (1-888-409-0141), the Therapy Aid Coalition, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Because some physicians may be reluctant to seek care, it is important for colleagues to look out for each other and intervene when needed.