September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when organizations highlight resources and strategies to address mental health challenges among physicians and patients.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has released toolkits aimed at helping medical professionals recognize and support colleagues who may be at risk. These resources also provide guidance for practices and health systems to identify and treat patients who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, with special attention given to children and adolescents.
In addition, the AMA has updated its STEPS Forward toolkit titled “Assessment of Clinician Burnout: Construct a Process to Measure Burnout and Improve Well-Being.” This guide offers six steps that organizations can use to help protect physicians from the negative effects of work-related stress.
The Colorado Medical Society, in partnership with the Colorado Physician Health Program, is offering the Doc2Doc Wellbeing Consulting Program. According to the announcement, “The Doc2Doc Wellbeing Consulting Program, brought to you by the Colorado Medical Society and the Colorado Physician Health Program, provides three free, one-hour, confidential, pre-clinical peer wellbeing consultation sessions for any Colorado physician or medical student. Call 720-810-9131 to reach a masters-level licensed clinician and schedule a confidential follow-up with a peer physician. All calls are confidential to the fullest extent of the law.”
Individuals are encouraged to learn about suicide warning signs and risk factors, how to support those considering suicide, and share information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
