74. Stop Physician Suicide Part 2: Reaching Out to a Colleague in Distress

Sep 12, 2023

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Behind the white coats and stethoscopes, there lies a profound truth - doctors, too, are human.

Joining me again are I.C.F.-Certified coaches on our team at TheHappyMD.com - Pam Pappas MD and Penelope Hsu MD, to continue the three-part series on recognizing and preventing physician suicide. In part one, Dr. Pappas and Dr. Hsu bravely shared their own experiences with suicidal ideation. In part two, we discuss what to do if you suspect a colleague is having suicidal thoughts and how to reach out to express our concern. We also explore the barriers to seeking help including imposter syndrome, shame, and guilt. 

While we may not be able to prevent every instance of physician suicide because of their never-show-weakness programming, we have the power to make a difference through our compassion. Whether we're colleagues, friends, family, or just part of a tribe, we can reach out and give support to someone who might be in a tough spot. Our job is to look out for each other and make sure we have each other's backs even if they tell you to go away and leave them alone. You’ll never know when a simple yet genuine gesture of empathy can save someone’s life.

“If you do reach out, you're not going to get rebuffed. If you can hold on somehow through all that darkness, the love that you would give is right there for you. They're going to be there. You just have to say something.” - Penelope Hsu MD

“An antidote to shame is the self-compassion. If we're the safe place, then people feel safe to tell their story and somehow the shame starts to ebb away.” - Pam Pappas MD

 

Episode Highlights:

• Social isolation and the theory of suicide
• Fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and community
• Trust your instincts and reach out to show you care
• Breaking down the wall of impostor syndrome and cracking the shell of shame

 

Resources:

Preventing Physician Suicide Part 1: Recognizing You Are At Risk - The First-Person Experience of Suicidal Ideation https://physiciansonpurpose.libsyn.com/70-preventing-physician-suicide-part-1-recognizing-you-are-at-risk-the-first-person-experience-of-suicidal-ideation

 

Physician Support Line
https://www.physiciansupportline.com/

888-409-0141

 

Connect with Dr. Hsu:
Book a Discovery Session with Dr. Hsu: https://www.thehappymd.com/physician-coach-penelope-hsu-md
Website: https://drpenelopehsu.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelope-hsu-3796395/

Connect with Dr. Pappas:
Book a Discovery Session with Dr. Pappas: https://www.thehappymd.com/physician-coach-pam-pappas
Website: https://drpampappas.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pampappasmd/

 

Watch this on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zks9w0cU3hk

 

Learn more about Dr. Dike and The Happy MD: https://linktr.ee/dikedrummond
Contact Dr. Drummond
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Web contact form: https://www.thehappymd.com/contact