Volunteer task force to help doctors following rise in mental health issues and suicide deaths

The Federation of Indian Medical Associations (FAIMA) has set up a national task force on mental health in response to the situation. alarming increase in mental health problems and suicide deaths among physicians.

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This 24-hour voluntary facility includes psychologists, psychiatrists and resident doctors to provide support in managing stress and mental health problems, the association said in its letter to the Minister of Health of the Republic. Union, Mansukh Mandaviya.

It is now common knowledge that doctors are overburdened with busy schedules, long working hours without breaks and mental stress, which leads to loneliness and depression, noted the association’s national president Rohan Krishnan .

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“The idea behind this initiative is to tell doctors and others that we cannot allow our juniors, colleagues and members of our fraternity to end their lives. We must stand united and provide a solution to the growing concerns and problems among us,” the FAIMA letter said.

The association asked all medical students to contact its representatives if they suffered from mental problems, including anxiety and depression. FAIMA also suggested that the central government should fix and ensure strict compliance with working hours of postgraduate medical students; provide a mental wellness center in every medical facility; and have a dedicated staff helpline number, so that students can contact us without hesitation.

A 2022 study titled “Suicide Among Medical Professionals—An Indian Perspective” found that academic stress was the leading cause of suicide among medical students and professionals in India, followed by mental illness and bullying.

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“The long, stressful working hours of graduate interns, postgraduate medical residents, junior doctors and nursing professionals have a significant impact on their mental well-being. They often starve for long hours, eat fast food to save time, lack sleep, and do not get enough rest between shifts. This significantly leads to burnout and stress,” the study says.

Those who need help to overcome suicidal thoughts can contact Aasra (022-27546669) or the Vandrevala Foundation (18602662345/18002333330).