Bolstering Mental Wellness in the Medical Field: A New Role of Counselors

High rates of physician and medical student suicides occur yearly. Being in the medical field itself can be considered a risk factor for depression and suicide. Therefore, the medical field is beginning to seek an interdisciplinary approach to assisting helpers in need, and the counseling field can play an important role. Understanding the unique occupational stresses, hidden curriculum, stigma, and pressures these individuals face is crucial. Aiding this population also provides the opportunity to address the considerable incidence of medical errors attributed to physician depression and distress. Populations such as females and sexual minority individuals face additional challenges. Counselors are in a prime position to address physician suicide and depression, which helps improve patient safety. Proactively educating future medical students on the occupational stresses of burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation could prevent them from experiencing these conditions.