Physician Suicide and Suffering Memorial

Intro: Physician suicide has been a known concept since 1858, and the rates of physician burnout, depression, and suicide have increased over the passed 50 years. And since the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers of physician suicide have even further increased for reasons relating to work demands, social isolation, decreased self care, and increased exposure to traumatic events at work and at home. I am proposing a memorial in acknowledgement of the physicians who have died by suicide, and in acknowledgement of the physician mental health crisis. 

Definition of the Problem: According to the American Medical Association, physicians are at higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population. Suicidal ideation has reportedly been connected to high workload and medical errors. And physicians who experience suicidal ideation have been shown to be less likely to seek out help. Factors that are connected to an increase in depression and suicide among physicians are personal and family history of mental illness, lack of social support, and substance use or abuse. Survey based studies have shown that depression and anxiety disorders are higher amongst physicians. For example, rates of depression among physicians are estimated to be at 19% compared to 7.1% in the general population. Substance abuse is relatively common among physicians, especially those in anesthesiology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine. This is likely due to increased access to addictive medications. And it has been reported that about 50% of physicians in the US experience burnout symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of sense of accomplishment. However, in the midst of these struggles, physicians seek help for their mental health less frequently than the general population. Because of the societal stigma around mental illness, physicians are reluctant to get a diagnosis for a mental condition, anticipating having to face repercussions from medical boards or employers. Many physicians end up trying to treat their mental health issues with prescription medications or self-help style therapies. 

Explanation of the Proposed Solution: The monument for my suggested memorial will be of a pair of silver hands holding a person up, to symbolize acknowledgement and support of physicians who had suffered, and are suffering. The goal of the memorial is to spread awareness which will hopefully change the circumstances of physicians suffering from mental health issues. The hope is that this struggle will be spoken about more, and more resources will be provided so that physicians will feel comfortable openly seeking help. Therefore, a silver fountain will be built behind the monument symbolizing life, truth, and change. In front of the memorial’s monument will be a silver plate with a quote by Fred Rogers, reading, “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” And on another silver plate will read, “Physician suicide is a public health crisis. Approximately one doctor a day dies by suicide in the United States, making the total 300-400 a year. And physician burnout and depression is prevalent. Together, we can help prevent physician suicide by learning the signs, starting the important conversations, understanding barriers, and sharing resources.” The memorial is suggested with the intent of creating a space that communicates recognition, mourning, and support for these physicians. The memorial will represent peace, with the visitors only hearing the noise of the memorial’s fountain. The Physician Suicide and Suffering Memorial will be located where the emergency field hospital was built during the Covid-19 pandemic, in Central Park. 

Conclusion: Memorials are lasting tributes and celebrations of lives that are to be recognized, and stories that should be shared with the public to acknowledge, or encourage change. And this is what the Physician Suicide and Suffering Memorial would do. This memorial would hopefully reach many physicians that feel like they are suffering alone, and will give them the motivation and happiness in knowing that their struggle is recognized and that they are valued. The Physician Suicide and Suffering Memorial would also hopefully stir more conversation around physician mental health, and our nation’s mental health crisis in general. The development of more mental health services will not only save more lives, but allow many to improve their interpersonal relationships, physical health, and quality of life.

Researcher: Isabella Chavez, Writer: Isabella Chavez, Designer: Isabella Chavez