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While feelings of stress and burnout within the healthcare community are not necessarily new, many clinicians are experiencing greater levels of stress and anxiety than ever before due to COVID-19.

Over half of all individuals in the U.S. have been affected by suicide in some way, and the rate of suicide among physicians is higher than for the general population. Sept. 17 has been set aside as Physician Suicide Awareness Day to honor the memory of those who have died by suicide, raise awareness of suicide, and encourage discussion about it can be prevented.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available.

Here are some possible warning signs:

• Talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live
• Efforts to obtain a gun, lethal doses of medications
• Talking about feeling hopeless or helpless
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increased drug or alcohol use
• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Sleeping too much or sleeping too little
• Giving away prized possessions or things that are important to them
• Acting more anxious or agitated than usual and/or behaving recklessly

Learn more from UVA's Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP).

Resources

For any mental health emergency, call 988

• Dialing 988 connects the caller with a 24-hour suicide and crisis lifeline. The number is available across the U.S. and was designed to be easier to remember. Learn more.

Local

• Region Ten CSB Crisis Services | Charlottesville & Albemarle, Louisa, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Greene | 434.972.1800

 State/National

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800.273.TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US about any type of crisis for a live, trained crisis counselor

Within UVA Health

• UVA Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) — 434.243.2643 same day appointment offered Monday-Friday
• Wisdom and Well-being Program | Access coaching programs, well-being workshops, positive practices
• Clinician Wellness Program | Director, Karen Warburton, MD | 216.964.8018 (Serves Faculty, LIPs, GME trainees)
• GME Coach | Chair, Karen Warburton, MD | 216.964.8018 (Serves GME trainees)

Additional Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Health HelpLine | 800.950.6264 | 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to access confidential, professional support. For immediate assistance, text “SCRUBS” to 741741 at any time.
• National Physician Suicide Awareness Day Suicide Prevention Resources
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• National Institute of Mental Health | 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain