Overcoming stigma: A novel curriculum for teaching medical students about suicide
Bonnin, R., Gralnik, L.M., Rothe, E., Obeso, V., von Harscher, H., Shoua-Desmarais, N., ... Castellanos, D.
Suicide is prevalent among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Medical students have suicide rates up to three times higher than the general population, and elevated rates of depression and suicide among physicians have also been widely documented. Medical students perceive suicide as more stigmatizing than other mental and physical health conditions, partially reinforced by the belief that medical students should be able to handle stressors without seeking help, which can compromise their health seeking and health-giving behaviors. Many medical trainees and physicians do not disclose their psychiatric diagnoses or seek treatment for fear of the consequences to their medical licensure status. Because of the stigma associated with suicide, medical students may neglect self-care.