Public perception of burnout, depression and suicide in the health care workforce

Author(s):

J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, cofounder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, discusses differences between burnout and depression among health care workers, and why both have been a surprise for the general public, especially before the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 4-10 and National Physician Suicide Awareness Day is Sept. 17, 2022. New survey findings show physician burnout in the workplace is a continuing problem that is not getting better. It also may be a contributor to feelings of depression and suicide. The Physicians Foundation, the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation and the #FirstRespondersFirst initiative are calling on health organizations to implement solutions that physicians deserve to support their mental health. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.