Suicide in female doctors is a significant and concerning issue that has gained increasing attention. Studies and reports indicate that female doctors have a higher rate of suicide compared to the general population.
The BMJ has published a metanalysis and systematic review of all suitable studies and concluded that female doctors have a higher risk of completed suicide than the general female population. The article is limited in its findings as most studies were from USA, Australasia and Europe from 20 countries.
There was no significant increased risk in male doctors when compared to the male population. However, male doctors had an increased risk when compared to a male population of similar socio-economic status. Males have a higher suicide rate than females in the general population.
Some good news is that when comparing the results of recent studies with older studies, the overall rate of suicide in doctors, including female doctors, is declining.
Some medical specialties have higher rates than others, such as anaesthesia, psychiatry and surgery.
What may be the causes?
There are high levels of stress, long working hours, demands and exhaustion all leading to limited time for self-care. Women may have less time to look after themselves when they have family or caring roles too.
Women are often more self-critical and may suffer with perfectionism, as well as fear of failure.
There is still gender discrimination and sexual harassment in medicine even in 2024. Female doctors often experience gender-based barriers in their careers, including unequal pay, fewer leadership opportunities, and implicit bias. This adds an extra layer of emotional strain.
There is stigma around mental ill health and seeking assessment and treatment. This can also mean they are concerned about their career and regulatory body (GMC).
The barriers to seeking help can also be because of having to appear invincible, strong and competent, a belief that they must handle stress alone. As well as mental illness being considered a weakness.
Doctors have access to potentially lethal medications and knowledge of how to use them, increasing the risk of completed suicides compared to the general population.
What can you do?
If you work in health, you can advocate for change. Reduce the stigma and offer help.
Everyone can encourage this is their personal life, work and education.
What can institutions like the NHS do?
The NHS does offer a well-being service, but this is patchy and often outside of other services in Mental Health leading to a poorer service. Access to mental health resources, counseling services, and support groups can be crucial for doctors struggling with suicidal thoughts.
There should be initiatives to reduce burnout, improve work-life balance and address gender-based disparities to help mitigate the stressors faced by female doctors.
There could be peer support for staff to discuss mental ill health and build networks. Open conversations about mental health within the medical profession can help to reduce stigma and encourage doctors to seek help when needed.
Education on wellbeing and self-care, promotion of healthy coping mechanisms throughout their careers. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep, can help to improve mental and physical well-being.
Address gender-based discrimination and harassment can help to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female doctors.
Addressing suicide in female doctors requires systemic change, including reducing stigma around mental health, offering confidential support, tackling workplace discrimination, and promoting work-life balance.
“Overall, this study highlights the ongoing need for suicide prevention measures among physicians,” the research team wrote in the BMJ.
“We found evidence for increased suicide rates in female physicians compared with the general population, and for male physicians compared with other professionals.
“The recent Covid-19 pandemic has put additional strain on the mental health of physicians, potentially exacerbating risk factors for suicide such as depression and substance use.”
A spokesperson from the NHS said, “there is a range of mental health support available for staff, including access to 24/7 confidential support services, coaching and flexible working options, but we know there is much more to do to ensure everyone working in the NHS feels comfortable asking for help and receives the right support when they do.”
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.