In the News

September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
There are many ways to take action, start a conversation, and raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. You can:
- Ask Congress to support the Reauthorization of the Lorna Breen Act.
- Download a toolkit from NAMI on conversation starters.
- Visit the new ACP Physician Suicide Awareness Resource Page on the IM Emotional Support Hub.
- Download SAMHSA's social media shareables to spread the message.
Factors Impacting Physician Well-Being for Prevention of Burnout
American Journal of Preventive Cardiology: A. Nair, MD
Physician burnout is an ongoing epidemic and can lead to increased depression and suicide risk. This study was designed to incorporate feedback from 6 U.S. residency and fellowship programs. Having mental health days in addition to paid time off and sick leave had a highly positive impact on the physicians' well-being with around 88.6% of the responses recording the same.
National Incidence of Physician Suicide and Associated Features
JAMA Psychiatry: H. Makhija, MS; J.E. Davidson, DNP, RN, MCCM; K.C. Lee, PharmD, MAS; A. Barnes, DNP, RN; A. Choflet, DNP, RN; S. Zisook, MD
This retrospective cohort study investigated suicides among physicians and nonphysicians aged 25 years and older in the U.S. from January 2017 to December 2021. The goal of this study was to estimate the national incidence of male and female physician suicide and analyze associated factors, comparing findings to the general population.
Art therapy to reduce burnout and mental distress in healthcare professionals in acute hospitals: a randomised controlled trial
BMJ Public Health: M. Tjasink; C.E. Carr; P. Bassett; G. Soosaipillai; D. Ougrin; S. Priebe
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured group art therapy intervention in reducing burnout and associated mental distress in healthcare professionals. Emotional exhaustion scores were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6 weeks.
Back to the September 19, 2025 issue of ACP IM Thriving