Year: 2022 Source: Crisis. (2022). 43:3, 163-169. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000852 SIEC No: 20220672
The mental health sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic have far-reaching consequences globally. As front-liners and first responders, healthcare workers are an at-risk population in terms of psychological distress and suicidal behavior. Healthcare worker suicide risk may be exacerbated by preexisting or emergent mental health conditions, occupational hazards, structural gaps in organizational systems, and socioeconomic factors. In this editorial, we highlight the urgency of prioritizing healthcare worker suicide prevention. Focus areas include risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior, the impact of COVID-19 through the lens of work–life balance, gender disparities, and moral injury. The evidence base for interventions, including the therapeutic potential of posttraumatic growth from lived and living experience, are outlined.