CODE GREY: THE WEIGHT OF A STETHOSCOPE

 Healthcare workers experience trauma too, but our trauma is often invisible, buried beneath the demands of caregiving. We cannot continue to ignore the emotional toll it takes on us." 

— Dr. Lorna Breen

Dr. Lorna Breen spent her career at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, She would eventually become the director of the emergency room in 2008. Dr. Breen sadly took her life and died by suicide on April 26, 2020. Dr. Lorna Breen had no mental health issues, she had no history of depression or anxiety. She had no risk factors that would lead anybody to associate her with suicide, none but one. Dr. Lorna Breen was a physician, an emergency medicine physician.

Dr. Lorna Breen (left) with sister Jennifer (right)

In the United States, the disparity in suicide rates between healthcare workers and the general public is both staggering and deeply concerning. Female doctors have a suicide rate that is 76% higher than that of the general population, while male doctors face an average 81% higher risk compared to other professions. It's estimated that one doctor dies by suicide every day in the U.S. — a systemic crisis that extends far beyond physicians. This issue touches every corner of the healthcare network, from nurses and pharmacists to technicians, with the rates even higher in emergency medicine.

Healthcare professionals are faced with life-and-death situations every day, working under immense pressure, enduring long shifts, and managing constant emotional strain. Amidst the heroism of their work, there is a dark and frequently overlooked reality — the rising suicide rates among doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. This tragic issue is not discussed nearly enough, yet the statistics are impossible to ignore. The relentless pressure in healthcare leads to a heightened susceptibility to mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this unrelenting strain becomes too much to bear, resulting in tragic outcomes.

One of the most significant barriers to addressing the mental health crisis among healthcare workers is the stigma that surrounds it. Healthcare professionals, especially those in emergency settings, are expected to be resilient, strong, and unwavering. They are often seen as infallible — not meant to show weakness or ask for help. In this culture of stoicism, seeking support is often feared due to concerns about judgment, professional repercussions, or the label of being "incapable." This culture of silence only perpetuates the crisis.

It is time to confront the silent epidemic within our healthcare systems and ensure that those who dedicate their lives to saving others receive the care and support they need to survive themselves.

• Healthcare workers are 32% more likely to die by suicide than non-healthcare professionals.

• Healthcare support workers have a suicide rate of 21 per 100,000 person-years.

• Registered nurses and technicians each have a rate of 16 per 100,000 person-years.

• Physicians have a rate of 13 per 100,000 person-years.

• Female doctors face a 76% higher suicide risk compared to the general population.

• Female healthcare workers overall have a significantly higher suicide risk, about 50% higher than the baseline reference.

Additionally, it is important to note that women make up approximately 70% of the healthcare workforce, further amplifying the need for focused support and intervention.