Mental Health Statistics

Burnout

• 44% of physicians report feeling burnt out

• Physicians are 82% more likely to experience burnout than those in other fields

• Family pressures, chaotic environment, time pressure, and low control of pace all foster burnout among physicians

Suicide

• Physicians have over 2 times the rate of suicide compared to the general population

• Male doctors have suicide rates as much as 40% higher than the general population, and female doctors up to 130% higher

• 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide each year

Barriers to Seeking Care

• 40% of physicians avoid seeking care, fearing negative consequences to their license

• Physicians usually suffer in silence

• Physicians sometimes use cash, self-prescribe, or use false identities to receive mental health treatment to avoid insurance records

National Consequences

• Loss of productivity due to physician burnout is the equivalent of eliminating seven entire medical school classes

Burnout

• 1 in 4 medical students around the world shows depressive signs and symptoms

• A 2018 meta-analysis of over 16,00 students worldwide found that 44% of suffered from burnout

Treatment

• Among medical students experiencing depressive symptoms, only 16% seek psychiatric treatment

Barriers to Seeking Care

• The most commonly cited barriers to using counseling services were:

  • Lack of time (48%)

  • Lack of confidentiality (37%)

  • Stigma associated with using mental health services (30%)

  • Costs (28%)

  • Fear of documentation on their academic record (24%)

  • Fear of an unwanted intervention (26%)

Stigma

• Many students avoid discussing their mental health issues in their medical school or residency applications, for fear of them being seen as red flags

• Discussing experiences with physical ailments may not be scrutinized in the same manner

• This sends a message to aspiring physicians that discussing mental health may not be appropriate in this field

Coping Strategies

• Medical students find it helpful to:

  • Get support from peers

  • Make time for exercise

  • Journal to prevent burnout and mental health problems

Depression

• Nearly twice the number of pre-medical students belonged in the category of “severely depressed” as non-pre-medical students

Stress

• More than a quarter (26%) of pre-meds experience stress “pretty much always”

• Another percent say they experience it “frequently”

Negative Feelings

• 85.58% exhibit a fear of failure

• 79.07% feel inadequate

Pre-Med Culture

• Pre-med culture is known to be toxic and stress-inducing

• Students often prioritize their academics, extracurriculars, and what it takes to get into medical school over their mental health

Coping Strategies

• Only do what you’re passionate about

  • Get exercise 

  • Talk to a mentor

  • Let yourself rest and recharge

  • Reach out for help

  • Socialize

• Educate and spread awareness beginning in the earliest stages of physician training

• Address stigma and changing attitudes towards mental health

• Foster a medical community that facilitates a safe space for individuals to seek help

• Reach out to those that might be showing signs of depression or burnout