It’s no secret: working in healthcare is demanding and difficult. The long hours, high-stakes and intensive tending to another person’s health take a toll on physicians, and often come at the cost of their own health—both physical and mental.
And yet, physicians still struggle to seek mental health support without fear of stigma, or even losing their jobs or license to practice medicine. This causes many physicians to suffer in silence – and can lead to tragic consequences.
This issue expands beyond the United States. In fact, the Office of National Statistics estimates that, in the United Kingdom, one physician dies by suicide every 3 weeks. This grim statistic demonstrates the prevailing need for wellbeing and mental health support for physicians.
Because of organizations like National Health Service (NHS) Practitioner Health, there is hope. Based in London, NHS Practitioner Health aims to be a world leader in the provision of innovative mental health treatment for healthcare workers, dedicated to providing expert, confidential care. They offer a range of services in primary care settings, including referrals for therapy, prescription medication and inpatient rehabilitation.
This year, to coincide with National Physician Suicide Awareness (NPSA) Day, NHS Practitioner Health has launched the first National Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers in the UK. Partnering with Doctors in Distress, NHS Practitioner Health is promoting the National Memorial Tree Campaign, which honors healthcare workers who have died by suicide. The goal of the campaign is to plant trees across hospital and health sites to create permanent points of remembrance where staff can have moments of reflection. The campaign also raises awareness for mental health resources and support systems for physicians and other healthcare workers, while providing a space that encourages open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
“A tree—a symbol of life—planted into the ground is only going to grow and thrive if it is cared for with love and attention,” said Ann Paul, Chief Executive of Doctors in Distress “We must care for the physicians and healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to caring for us. Together, we can help to break down stigma around mental health and prevent further tragedies.”
Lucy Warner, Chief Executive of NHS Practitioner Health, added, “We have gathered the names and faces of those we have tragically lost to suicide over the years. Now, we have a meaningful way to honor and remember them.”
Learn more about NHS Practitioner Health and the National Memorial Tree Campaign here.
